The project that includes the construction of the regional 50m swimming pool, built to Olympic standards, and state-of-the-art Wellness Centre will commence later this month at Stadium Park near the Stadium of Light. Local architects, Red Box Design Group, developed the scheme as part of a consultant team including ARUP and Davis Langdon.

Site preparation work has already started on site and members of the public can expect to see the site compound appearing from early March 2006 with an expected project completion date of early 2008.

The flagship pool will be the largest between Leeds and Edinburgh and will provide much needed facilities for the whole of Sunderland and the region, including:
- A 25m wide main pool with 10 lanes, a moveable floor and a moveable boom to allow maximum flexibility of use.
- A 25m wide multi-purpose diving tank with a moveable floor and a variety of double width diving boards.
- Seating for 500 spectators.

Recent design enhancements to the scheme include improved changing facilities for schools, the introduction of purpose designed facilities for sensitive groups, the inclusion of the Wellness Centre in the first phase and additional glazing. The construction cost is £19.8m.

The excellent facilities offered by the City's 50m pool mean that it will act as a regional hub for performance swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo and attract high-profile national and regional competitions to Sunderland. The pool will also be very much a community pool providing facilities for local schools. It could also be offered as a training base for swimmers competing in the 2012 London Olympics.

A state-of-the-art Wellness Centre will be attached to the 50m pool development to increase participation in exercise and encourage communities, through support and learning, to choose a healthy lifestyle. The Wellness Centre will be part of a network of six others located across the City that will deliver integrated health services in partnership with the Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust.

The project has been funded by Sunderland City Council, Sport England, European Regional Development Fund, One NorthEast, TyneWear Partnership, Sunderland arc and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Balfour Beatty won the major contract following a tough tendering process. The international construction, engineering and services company was awarded the contract due to its strong bid and ability to demonstrate the highest standards of workmanship within the specified budget.

Councillor Bob Symonds, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The appointment of Balfour Beatty is a significant step forward in the development of the 50m pool and wellness centre and marks an important date in the progress of this truly ambitious project. Major works on site will begin to move forward at a pace and regular progress updates will be produced to ensure that everyone feels part of this iconic regional development, right here in Sunderland."

Judith Rasmussen, Regional Director of Sport England North East, said: "Sport England North East and the Regional Sports Board are very pleased to be part of the development of the first 50m pool in the region. Swimming is a very popular activity in the North East and we also have a great record of competing at the highest levels so to be able to provide world class facilities for both swimming and diving is tremendous"

Kevin Donegan, Director, Balfour Beatty Construction, said today: "We are delighted to be working with Sunderland City Council in realising its objective to provide an Olympic sized swimming pool for the area. We look forward to delivering this prestigious facility to the community, leading up to the 2012 Olympics"

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last updated 25/03/08