The Secretary of State, Hazel Blears, has approved Coin Street Community Builders' (CSCB) proposals for a public swimming and indoor leisure centre and residential development on London's South Bank.

The Doon Street scheme had been supported by Lambeth Council, local MP Kate Hoey, the Mayor of London, the Southbank Centre, National Theatre, leading architects including Lord Rogers and Sir Terry Farrell, and many other organisations and individuals, but had been opposed by English Heritage and Westminster Council.

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In September 2007, the Secretary of State "called in" the proposals so that she could determine them after a public inquiry.

"The scheme is not just about radically improving the environment of the South Bank but also delivering vital facilities which offer alternatives to those at risk of obesity, gang culture and unemployment," said Iain Tuckett, Group Director, Coin Street Community Builders.

"In place of a car park we will have London's best public swimming and indoor leisure centre, the headquarters of Rambert Dance Company with its three dance studios, 329 new homes, a town square linked to Waterloo Bridge, possibly a new university faculty building and, across one road the National Theatre, and across the other award-winning housing co-operatives. This is community building with style!"

(CD/NS)