Work has now begun on the £7.9m new swimming pool development at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham.

Funded mainly by Tynedale Council, the project, which has been designed by GLR Architects, includes a six-lane 25m pool, a smaller studio pool, fun splash areas, a fitness suite and a café.

Funding has also been received from Sport England, Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club and One NorthEast/Northumberland Strategic Partnership.

The council is also providing a further £670,000 for repairs and improvements to the existing leisure centre, including upgrading the sports centre and providing new outdoor changing facilities.

The facility will be managed by sports trust, Leisure Tynedale.

Geoff Cant, Leisure Tynedale’s manager at Wentworth Leisure Centre, said: “We will be working hard to ensure that all areas of the centre will remain open throughout the majority of the 18 month building works.

“There will be a short closure of the main hall due to the replacement of the roof on the existing centre. This is planned for the summer 2007, and alternative arrangements for facilities will be made where possible.”

Councillor John Herron, leader of Tynedale Council said: “This new pool at Wentworth is a flagship development for Tynedale. We are very excited about being able to offer fantastic new swimming facilities to a wide range of the population of Tynedale, as well as visitors to the area.

“We are very pleased to be working with Leisure Tynedale, Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club and main contractors Sir Robert McAlpine to bring this important project to our community.”

Dr Duncan Cumberlidge, chairman of Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club added: “Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club was formed over 25 years ago to provide facilities for young people who wanted to swim regularly, improve their technique and take part in local competitions.

“Now with almost 100 members, the club provides for all levels of ability from those at the beginning of their swimming careers through to some of the brightest prospects in the sport at regional and national level. With the new pool at Wentworth, due to open in summer 2008, Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club is preparing to rapidly expand to meet the demand this new facility will create.

“Our involvement in the fundraising of the project is to raise money towards the competitive spectator seating area. This will allow us to bring high quality competitive swimming to Hexham with benefits not only for club members but also for local businesses. We will be launching our “Sponsor a seat” campaign shortly.” Details: www.leisuretynedale.co.uk