SWIMMING enthusiasts will be able to take a dip at a new pool being built in Taunton from early 2016.

BAM Construction, which has won the contract for the £5million facility going up beside the Blackbrook Pavilion sports centre, will start work in January.

The facility will include a 25-metre pool, a smaller learning pool and a spa complete with steam room, sauna and hydrotherapy pool.

There will also be changing and viewing facilities and a visitor cafe.

BAM says it will look to offer opportunities on the project to local suppliers, including those who it worked with on a similar pool and leisure complex at Chilton School, in Bridgwater.

The scheme includes an option for photovoltaic cells on the existing pavilion roof, as well as use of combined heat and power boilers.

BAM, which is behind the Arts House project at Somerset College, in Taunton, plans to complete the new project without disrupting use of the adjacent facility.

Councillor Catherine Herbert, Taunton Deane Council’s sports parks and leisure portfolio holder, said: “Our ambition as a council is to ensure Taunton Deane has first class leisure provision to complement our growth plans.

“We have recently upgraded the Station Road pool in Taunton, bringing it into the 21st Century, and have had some really positive comments from swimmers.

“The Blackbrook site already hosts the very popular leisure centre run by our partners Tone Leisure and a pool and spa will make it a brilliant leisure complex where people can enjoy all sorts of sports and relaxation from spa treatments to tennis.”

BAM construction director Craig Allen said: “We are delighted to have built on our reputation for delivering leisure pools in Somerset with this exciting new project.

“We will work hard to ensure the construction work benefits the local community and environment throughout the project as well as in end use.”

The Blackbrook pool will allow the council to close the outdated pool in St James Street.