Commonwealth Games 2014: Swim centre unveiling

Maria Gasoula tries out the pool at the refurbished Tollcross International Swimming Centre. Picture: SNS

The result of the makeover is a new-look 10-lane 50-metre competition pool and a completely new six-lane 50-metre warm-up pool.

It is now one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe and the permanent seating capacity has been doubled to 2,000 with a further 3,000 temporary seats to be added for the Games.

The 19-month construction project was funded by Glasgow City Council (£13.15 million) and sportscotland (£650,000), with the main construction work  carried out by Barr Construction.

The 2015 Paralympic World Swimming Championships have already been awarded to the venue and it is also at the heart of Glasgow’s bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

The first event after the reopening will be the Scottish Open Swimming Championships in June this year but Tollcross will also be a community facility.

The fitness suite has been doubled in size, while new flooring has been installed in the sports halls. A new community facility to replace the fire-damaged Shettleston Burgh Halls has also been created.

Councillor Archie Graham, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, 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.

Graham, who is also the executive member for the Commonwealth Games, added: “As well as the refurbished competition pool area and new warm-up pool, the facilities will include one of the biggest and best equipped 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.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, added: “As the excitement for the Commonwealth Games continues to grow, the official opening of Tollcross International Swimming Centre marks another crucial milestone on the road to Glasgow.

“Sportscotland’s investment into the refurbishment of this facility has helped Glasgow City Council create a world-class venue.

“It will also provide a lasting sporting legacy for the whole community as we strive to maximise the opportunities for people across the country to become involved in sport and physical activity.”

Barclay Chalmers, the managing director of Barr Construction, the firm which carried out the project, said: “Given its significance, both to the local community in Glasgow and to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, we were aware of the importance of delivering a facility the city could be proud of.

“The whole project team has worked tremendously hard to create the new Tollcross International Swimming Centre and we are confident it will be used and enjoyed by local and elite swimmers for many years to come.”