Getting ready to make a splash!

Excavation and landscaping for the centre's main swimming pool has now been completed.

The 25-metre five-lane pool will have a maximum depth of two metres and will be complemented by a second pool featuring a moveable floor.

The smaller pool will be used for learning activities for those who need to build up their confidence before using the main pool.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: "It is fantastic to see the swimming pools taking shape.

"I've no doubt that the main pool will be extremely popular and provide so much fun and happy memories for the generations of people that will use it.

"The second pool has a moveable floor which will be really useful for children getting used to being in water. It will also allow for people with disabilities or mobility issues to enjoy the pool at a depth suitable for them.

"This along with the centre's other first class leisure facilities and new library will be a massive boost for residents from the town and further afield."

The construction of the building's steel frames and installation of its drainage system are next on the list for contractors Willmott Dixon.

The building, which is due to open in summer 2020, will be operated by Tees Active Leisure, which already operates three centres in the area on behalf of the Council.