Lambeth Council becomes first local authority to use LIFT to procure new health and community centre

Published: 31-May-2011

As part of the drive towards more joined-up health and social care services, the first local authority-procured LIFT initiative has been announced.


The landmark development will provide modern leisure and health facilities in the London borough of Lambeth under the umbrella of the Norwood Hall Joint Service Centre. Approval for the £16.5m scheme was given this week, marking the first time the LIFT (Local Improvement Finance Trust) procurement method has been used for a council-led project. It will be developed by LIFT partner, Building Better Health, and designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris architects.

This important new community project will contribute greatly to the ongoing regeneration of the area as well as providing essential health services to the wider community

Built over four storeys, the centre will provide a customer service base for the local authority, as well as community and health services such as a 25m swimming pool, fitness suite and gym, dance studio and community meeting rooms. There will also be GP and dentistry services. Morag Tait, associate director at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, said: "We are delighted Norwood Hall has received planning permission. This important new community project will contribute greatly to the ongoing regeneration of the area as well as providing essential health services to the wider community."

With the project taking shape, it demonstrates the ability for private and public sectors to work together in harmony to deliver a project of huge benefit to its community

Sustainability is a vital part of the project, with the enhancement of green spaces, the creation of a new woodland and the installation of low-energy technologies planned.

A spokesman for Building Better Health said: "The scheme will bring together different community groups and provide a substantial range of important facilities in one building. With the project taking shape, it demonstrates the ability for private and public sectors to work together in harmony to deliver a project of huge benefit to its community."

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