THIS exclusive image reveals for the first time how Worcester's new £10.5 million swimming pool will look - with council chiefs promising "fantastic quality".

Ever since last November an army of construction workers have been revamping Perdiswell Leisure Centre into an impressive eight-lane pool.

With the opening on track for early 2017, this artist's impression from Worcester City Council shows how it will appear inside the venue.

It comes as work is speeding ahead on the construction, with the final touches currently being made to the steel support structure.

The learner pool has already reached the stage where it has been filled with water as a test-run, and within the next fortnight concrete will be poured in to create the base and walls of the main facility.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, the cabinet member for clean, green and leisure services, said: "It’s great to be able to show people what the finished pool will look like.

"It gives a real sense of the fantastic quality we're achieving with this complete overhaul of Perdiswell Leisure Centre.

"The pool will boast everything you need to host regional competitions, but most importantly it will be a great new facility for swimmers of all abilities from across Worcester and beyond."

The image features the main pool in the foreground, with the 18x10 metre learner pool - which boasts a moveable floor - visible behind it.

The colour scheme of the walls and panels seen here have yet to be finalised, say council chiefs.

The pool project was given the go-ahead under the old Tory leadership before it lost power, after months of disagreement between the two parties over the costs.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, opposition Conservative group leader, said: "I'm delighted - it's ironic Labour is trying to take credit for this when they fundamentally tried to derail it.

"It will be fantastic for the people of Worcester, but I hope Labour don't forget it's the Conservatives who helped deliver this great new swimming pool."

A £2 million grant from Sport England is helping fund a significant portion of the costs, as well as some borrowing, a Heart of Worcestershire College contribution and cash from the sale of its old Orchard House headquarters.

The eight-lane pool will measure 25 metres by 18 metres and will provide poolside seating for 250 spectators.

A massive gym with up to 120 pieces of equipment, a spin studio with 25 bikes, pool pod hoists for disabled people, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, teaching rooms and three fitness studios are also included.

Yesterday the council also said the centre's main sports hall revamp is progressing well and that it will re-open on September 5.

The crumbling Sansome Walk swimming pool will be demolished next year once the new facility opens its doors.