Glasgow's Tollcross International Swimming Centre opens to the public today following a 19-month refurbishment programme, the Scotsman has said.

The facility, which will be used as the swimming venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the city, cost £13.8m to restore. The work sees a revamped 10-lane 50m competition pool and a new six-lane 50m warm-up pool. An extra 1,000 seats have also been added to the 1,000 existing, while a further 3,000 temporary seats can be installed during the games.

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In addition to hosting the 2014 swimming competition, the centre is expected to host the 2015 IPC World Swimming Championships. When not hosting events, the venue will be used as a community sports facility and features an enlarged fitness suite.

Depute leader of Glasgow City Council Archie Graham said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy of new and improved sports venues for the people of Glasgow, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre is right at the very heart of this programme.

"As well as the refurbished competition pool area and new warm-up pool, the facilities at Tollcross will include one of the biggest and best-equipped Glasgow Club gyms in the city.

"These facilities will be used on a daily basis by the local community, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to swim and train in a world-class venue."

(JP/CD)