A new £16m swimming pool and leisure complex is set to open in South Shields, Tyne and Wear in early 2013.

The Pier Parade project is part of South Tyneside Council's regeneration plans. It was designed by LA architects and is being built by Graham construction.

It will feature a 25m, eight-lane competition pool; an 18m teaching pool and leisure waters with flumes; sprays; bubble pools and water play.

The centre will also house a health club with sauna and steamroom, two dance studios and fitness testing and consultation rooms.

The swimming pool and leisure complex is one in a series of council-led investments in the borough that include a £2.3m waterfront park in South Shields, £4m school and community pool at Jarrow, £5m Littlehaven scheme (beach, promenade and sea defence transformation), and a major new community hub in Hebburn.

Other amenities at the leisure centre include a library express, outdoor terrace and amphitheatre and a rooftop viewing gallery.

Councillor Iain Malcolm, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "The new swimming pool and leisure complex symbolises our passion and commitment to providing the borough with the very best in community facilities.

"The complex is an important part of the council's regeneration portfolio that covers housing, business and leisure, and represents South Tyneside as an outstanding place to live, invest and bring up families."