Well, it's finally been put in black and white, well on the Streatham Guardian on line site, so I'm confident enough to put it on here too.

This is great news for our Thornton Ward Balham residents, who live and pay council tax to the Borough of Lambeth, and who's leisure facilities have been literally dropping like flies.

Tesco, this evening have agreed finally to go ahead and build the Streatham Hub which not only will include a Tesco Superstore, but also the promise of a new leisure centre with pool and a brand new ice rink.  Whilst the old ice rink will need to be knocked down, a temporary 'high quality' rink will be put up, probably on Streatham Common.  The deal still needs rubber stamping by Lambeth Council later this month but let's just say, it's looking good.

Labour in Lambeth are claiming the victory as their own, and the residents are in jubilant mood.  Ellen Leslie said 'it's been a long time coming ..... fantastic'.  Matthew Rhodes said on Twitter just a few moments ago 'As a Streatham local am thrilled that@LambethLabour hv agd a new deal with Tesco for "Streatham Hub" - now we must hold them to it!' 

This part of Streatham is crying out for regeneration and as this 'deal' has been on and off for the last 10 years, this announcement has not come a moment too soon.

I'm keen to hear from Thornton Ward residents.  How are you taking the news and what difference will a new leisure facility make to your life?