A time capsule that shines a light on Lambeth’s past has been discovered by builders working on a major new public swimming pool and fitness centre.

The capsule was found at the site of the old Norwood Hall in Knight’s Hill, which was built in 1962.

The old hall is currently being demolished and is to be turned into a £16.5 million modern leisure and health centre by Lambeth Council and NHS Lambeth.

The site was formerly the Norwood Home for Jewish Children, and two former residents of the home Tony Seager, Secretary of Norwood Old Scholars Association, and his sister Priscilla Seager, joined Councillor Lib Peck, Lambeth Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, at Lambeth Archives to open the capsule and examine its contents.

Inside were copies of a newspapers as well as a number of coins.

The contents have been offered to Norwood Old Scholars Association (NOSA) an organisation set up by the children that used to attend the Norwood Home for Jewish Children.

Coun Peck said: "It’s was fascinating to open something that had lain untouched for half a century, and we plan to carry on the tradition by burying a new time capsule that reflects life in Lambeth in 2012.

"I’m delighted that we have been able to offer the contents to NOSA, and they are helping to preserve the Star of David that used to hang of the side of the old hall.

"This new Norwood Hall will be fantastic for the area and is going to provide a real centre for the local community."

Tony Seager, Secretary of Norwood Old Scholars Association, said: "We at NOSA would like to thank all the councillors involved in this project as well as council officers and contractors Galliford Try, whose commitment at their own expense was so much appreciated.

The new services are scheduled to be up and running and open to the public in spring 2014.