Work is now underway on the construction of the new £27m Hengrove Leisure Centre in Bristol, which will be delivered by the local authority and Bristol Active Leisure (BAL) through a private finance initiative (PFI).
The facility, which forms part of a wider regeneration scheme, will incorporate a ten-lane, Olympic-sized swimming pool with adjustable floor and vertical booms; a learner pool with adjustable floor; and a 150-station fitness suite.
A four-court sports hall; a spa area - featuring a hot tub, a sauna and steamroom; an aerobics studio; changing facilities; a crèche and a café are also being created as part of the development, which is due for completion in February 2012.
Bristol City Council deputy leader Simon Cook said: "The new leisure facility will be the city's and region's flagship pool and sports facility. It will attract swimmers of all ages and abilities - and best of all, its design and high specification will inspire adults and children to take to the water and make a real splash."
BAL's Fabio D'Alonzo added: "A lot of hard work has gone into reaching this state-of-the-art leisure centre and we look forward to delivering excellent sports and leisure facilities for the city of Bristol as well as making significant contribution to the regeneration of South Bristol."
