THE first sod of turf has been cut and work will soon start on building a £5.7million swimming pool and spa.

Contracts have been signed between Taunton Deane Council and contractors BAM for the facility beside the Blackbrook Pavilion, in Taunton.

The project includes a six-lane 25-metre pool, a smaller learner pool, spa and treatment rooms, changing village, cafe and kitchen and storage space.

Once the pool is opened – probably early next year - the existing St James Pool in the town will close, with the site probably being sold off.

News that the diggers are shortly to move onto the Blackbrook site follows the £1.2million refurbishment of the pool in Station Road.

Cllr Catherine Herbert, executive councillor for leisure, said: “The new pool will be fantastic, providing brilliant facilities for our growing community. This will be a great place for people of all ages – from the youngest learner swimmers to older people who will be able to enjoy a swim or spa session.”

Karen Arnold, chairman of Tone Leisure, which will operate the pool, said: “This is fantastic news against a backdrop of public funding cuts and loss of sporting facilities in other parts of the country.”

BAM construction director Craig Allen said: “BAM has worked very closely with Taunton Deane and its team over the last six months to finalise the design proposals for Blackbrook Pool and Spa. We are now looking forward to creating this exciting leisure facility which will not only benefit local people but all of Somerset.”

Access to Blackbrook Pavilion will remain open throughout the construction, with any potential disruption minimised.

Sports pitches close to the planned pool and spa will be retained and ‘buffered’ by a safety area to avoid any clash between the new buildings and the playing areas.