Barratt and Dawnay Day has won approval from Camden council for its proposed £16.2m Swiss Cottage library and sports centre development in north west London.

The centre, designed by architects Terry Farrell and Partners, had faced enormous opposition from local residents, who have now dropped their legal challenge.

When complete the 76,000 sq ft public sports centre will offer a 25-metre-eight-lane competition swimming pool and a 20-metre teaching pool with a moveable floor; a sports hall; two squash courts; a climbing wall; health and fitness facilities and multi-use spaces for table tennis yoga and martial arts.

The development will also include a water feature, sports pitch, adult 5-a-side and junior 7-a-side football.

The council-owned site will also house 170 apartments and the Hampstead Theatre. Completion is expected by October 2003.