WORK is progressing on Taunton's new £5.7million swimming pool - and the County Gazette has been given access to the building.
Construction teams moved onto the site next to the Blackbrook Pavilion sports centre on March 31 after almost ten years of discussions.
And the first swimmers are set to take the plunge when the facility opens next summer.
The scheme will include a 25-metre pool, a smaller learner pool, spa and treatment rooms, a changing village, cafe, kitchen and storage space.
Alison North, project manager for Taunton Deane Council, which is funding the project, said: "It's very exciting seeing the progress.
"It was talked about for ten years and it's a big commitment in this climate.
"Cross party councillors have committed to good quality leisure provision for the community and getting something to replace the old St James Pool has always been important."
The 87-year-old St James Pool, just off the town centre, is currently only used for lessons and will close and probably been sold to developers once the Blackbrook pool is up and running.
The councils other pool in Station Road recently underwent a £1.2million refurbishment and will remain open.
Matt Keen, project manager for contractors Bam, said: "Everything's going well and is on schedule.
"The smaller pool has passed its water test and the other pool will be tested before Christmas.
"Between 40 and 50 people are working on site at any one time.
"My two daughters learned to swim at St James Pool and are members of Taunton Deane Swimming Club, so they've been telling me they want to be the first people to use the new pool."
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