Studio Egret West wins massive south London regeneration project

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Another day, another high-profile victory for Studio Egret West (SEW). This time the practice has landed the huge £75 million leisure-led regeneration programme in Clapham, south London.

Part of the Cathedral Group consortium selected as preferred bidder for the project by Lambeth Council, SEW will not only masterplan the overall scheme but also act as lead architect on the three key town-centre sites.

A new 'spiral' library, surgery, and joint service centre has been earmarked to replace the Mary Seacole House on Clapham High Street.

The existing Old Clapham Library building is to be converted into a community-run centre while a new leisure centre, featuring a 25m swimming pool designed by specialist LA Architects, will go on the site of the existing centre on Clapham Manor Street.

Speaking about the scheme, councillor Paul McGlone, Labour cabinet member for regeneration, said: 'With our partners we have come up with an exciting development proposal that covers all the bases.

'Best of all it is a self-financing project and will therefore cost the taxpayer absolutely nothing.'

He added: 'We promised in 2006 to deliver quality and keep Clapham swimming, and with this project we have most certainly delivered.'

A planning application for the first part of the development is expected in April. The company expects to deliver the first stage of the project, the new leisure centre, in early 2010.