Dilapidated GP surgeries in Downham will be replaced by brand-new clinics in a major new development to be built in 2004.

A combined health and leisure centre costing £10.6m will be built on the Moorside Road playing fields.

Health chiefs have welcomed the development which will allow two run-down surgeries in Downham the Breese practice in Church Down and Dr UR Israel in Downham Way to move into the centre.

In addition to the 10 GPs on site, the centre will have a nursing team, a swimming pool, fitness centre and library.

The Private Finance Initiative project has been masterminded by Lewisham Council, which will provide the leisure facilities, and South Lewisham Primary Care Group (PCG), to provide healthcare.

Council chiefs have drawn up an outline business plan and are now looking for private bidders to build the centre by October 2004.

PCG chief executive Jill Lockett believes the centre will be beneficial for residents.

She said: "This is so exciting for the people of Downham because they will be able to get both healthcare and leisure facilities in one.

"It will enable us to move two run-down surgeries into a brand new centre so there will be 10 GPs on site.

"There will also be a community nursing team, mental health team, chiropody, speech and language therapy and community dental services on site."

Ms Lockett also pointed to the fact the centre will have leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, library and an employment resource centre.

Head of culture and community services at Lewisham Council, Aileen Buckton, says the council is looking forward to having a "stunning purpose-built centre" in Downham.

"Residents will have access to a new IT learning suite, public space for arts events and exhibitions and facilities including a community hall and creche," she said

"The centre will be a much-needed health, leisure and library service