Edinburgh's Royal Commonwealth Pool, which will host the diving competition during the 2014 Commonwealth Games, has officially reopened following an £37m refurbishment.

Leisure specialists S&P Architects are behind the design of the new-look complex, with the scheme involving the stripping back of the A-listed building's shell, before it was completely rebuilt.

Graham Construction carried out the work on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, with facilities including a 50m, eight-lane swimming pool for both community and elite use.

The newly-renovated complex also houses a re-orientated diving pool with moveable floor; a dry diving facility with springboards and trampolines; and a 25m warm-up pool.

Elsewhere, the gym, fitness studios and changing village have been revamped and dry soft play facilities have been added. Funding was provided by sportscotland and local authority.

In addition to its role at the 2014 Games, British Swimming has revealed it will use the venue as its training camp ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Scottish deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The reopening of this spectacular venue, which will host the diving competition during the 2014 Games, marks yet another significant milestone on the journey towards 2014."

Edinburgh's deputy lord provost Rob Munn added: "In just four months' time, the pool will play host to the British Swimming squad as they make their final training preparations ahead of the London 2012 Games."

Edinburgh Leisure will operate the new-look Royal Commonwealth Pool on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council. The venue opens for public use tomorrow (21 March).

Details: www.thecommiepool.co.uk

Image: Phil Wilkinson/Edinburgh Evening News