Work on Dundee’s new swimming pool complex is rapidly taking shape, with its steel structure now complete.
Phase two of the construction of the state-of-the-art complex building the roof-has begun.
The centre will comprise a 50-metre training and competition swimming pool incorporating a four-metre dive area, a wave pool, rapid river, flumes, a health suite and cafe and car park.
With a sufficient section of the roof already constructed, another key stage of the project, the excavation of the pool basin, will also begin.
The Tayside Business Unit of construction company Mansell is carrying out the project and regional director for Tayside Lindsay Cowan said, “We’re delighted to see work on site progress very positively with steel works on the pool building having now been completed and the excavation of the pool basin having commenced and we look forward to fully delivering the project successfully.”
Dundee City Council city development convener Councillor Will Dawson added, “I am delighted by the way that this major new facility for Dundee is developing. The start of this new stage of work highlights the progress that is being made on this project.
“The city council’s investment of £31.5 million in this swimming pool and car park is a boost for the local economy during difficult times. This new complex will offer superb new facilities including a state-of-the-art competition pool and swimming for the whole family.”
Health and sport minister Shona Robison added, “The Scottish Government is committed to improving sports facilities across Scotland and through sportscotland we are delivering on this pledge.
“Swimming in Scotland has been a huge success in recent years and we want to ensure that our swimmers are best equipped to build on this success, particularly in the build up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“It is great to see work progressing on this site and providing jobs for the local community.
“We can’t underestimate the valuable role that sport can play in community life and the importance of making sure that people have access to it.”
Mansell have devised and implemented a community benefit programme for the city, in conjunction with the council. It will support the business community and provide training for unemployed people.
As part of its community benefit scheme, Mansell is also undertaking school visits to educate children on the project and the dangers of construction sites.
Mr Cowan added, “Mansell appreciates the importance of this project to the city of Dundee as a whole and we were only too happy to ensure that the wider community also benefits, not only from the completed swimming pool complex, but from the whole construction process.
“We have made it an absolute priority to keep the local community involved in the project, be it through providing training for unemployed groups or engaging with schools to ensure that youngsters are aware of the dangers of building sites.”