Southwark Council has approved a £5.5m refurbishment plan to update Dulwich Leisure Centre.

The grade II listed, 19th century building will benefit from an improved swimming pool area, a new gym and new wet and dry changing areas.

Access for those with disabilities will be incorporated, including hoists into the pool, step-free access and a lift to the first floor studios. Green energy saving features like high-efficiency boilers, roof-mounted solar thermal panels and low energy lighting will also be installed throughout.

In addition, the entrance to the building and the clock tower on East Dulwich Road will be restored to provide a public space.

Cllr Lewis Robinson, executive member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “Dulwich Leisure Centre is going to be vastly improved, and it will hopefully result in a lot more residents coming through the doors.

“We’re hoping to secure an additional £1.5m of government funding to match the council’s money already earmarked for Camberwell Baths, which means we could secure the future of that facility as well.”

Phase one of the development will focus on the creation of the new entrance building and improvements to the pool area. It is set to commence in April, with completion expected by Christmas. Phase two, which will include work on the gym, will then follow. A number of activities will continue to run throughout the redevelopment.

The project has now been referred to the Government Office for London to obtain final Listed Building Consent, which is likely to take 4 to 6 weeks.