A new Aquatic Centre at Aberdeen Sports Village is due to be finished early 2014.

The news follows the commencement of the steel frame construction.

The new £22m centre will be home to a 50m, 10 lane pool as well as a 25m pool with competitive diving facilities.

The project is being undertaken by the main contractor, Graham Construction.

The Aquatics Centre is a joint project between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and SportScotland.

David Beattie, chief executive at Aberdeen Sports Village, said: "Establishing the steel frame for the facility is a major development in the building phase as the centre starts to take shape. With the structure well underway, we are now at a stage where the Aquatics Centre has a visual impact in the community.

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"There is a lot of anticipation about the centre opening, as it will be a hub of activity for the people of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. To ensure the centre meets the needs of the whole community we have plans for public, senior and family sessions, exercise classes, swimming lessons and swimming sessions for local primary schools. The facility will also be used by elite athletes due to the world-class facilities that are planned."

Dave Newton, site manager for Graham Construction, said: "We are around two thirds of the way through erecting the steel. The outer structure of the main competition pool and plant room is now in place and efforts will be concentrated on the 25m pool and changing rooms in the coming weeks."

Commenting on the laying of precast flooring and the beginning of external cladding-fitting, Mr Newton added: "When the initial layer of external cladding is in place, an outer layer will be installed to give the building a signature look, a matt black finish for the main competition pool and changing area and aluminium shingle for the diving pool."

(IT)