Work has started on the multi million pound swimming pool development at Wentworth Leisure centre. The project lead by Tynedale Council includes a six lane 25m pool, a smaller studio pool, fun splash areas, a large fitness gym and cafe. The project also includes improvements and repairs to the existing sports centre and the re-provision of the outdoor changing facilities. The pool will also house 200 spectator seats enabling the town to host swimming galas.

The Leisure Centre will have a variety of environmentally friendly features including solar panels and a new biomass boiler system that will be fed by locally produced woodchips. This puts the Wentworth development at the forefront of leisure centres in the country by incorporating 'eco-friendly' design.

The pool development has been designed by GLR Architects and the main contractor is Sir Robert McAlpine. Hall & Partners are managing the project and other companies that make up the design team are Building Services Partnership Limited, Furness Partnership, Press and Starkey and Sheerwater Limited.

Tyndale Council is funding the construction of the new pool building at the cost of around £7.9 million, and is spending an additional £760,000 on repairs and improvements to the existing building from its planned maintenance programme. Contributions have been obtained from Sport England, One NorthEast/Northumberland Strategic Partnership and Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club to support the cost of the development.

The new development, due for completion by late summer 2008