By GEMMA SOMERVILLE

Last updated 17:37, Thursday, 21 August 2008

THERE are just days to go before Hexham’s brand new swimming pool complex at Wentworth throws open its doors to the public.

Floored! The moveable floor of Hexham's new £8million swimming pool meant Tynedale Council leader

And this week, to mark the completion of the £8million development, local councillors and those involved with the project were invited for a sneak preview.

The state-of-the-art building, houses the UK's first biomass heated swimming pool and has been funded by Tynedale Council.

It will be operated by North Country Leisure and aims to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income or ability.

Speaking at the preview afternoon Tynedale Council’s chief executive Richard Robson said: “To me, this kind of project is exactly what council’s should be all about – providing and improving services for local people.”

Still a hive of activity with workers carrying out final fixings and applying last coats of paint, the new building is not only environmentally friendly – with its solar panels and a biomass boiler – it’s also fully accessible to people with all levels of disability.

The development’s centrepiece is the new 25-metre, six-lane pool, which is flanked by two much smaller pools for use by adults with babies and toddlers.

In a separate area is a further 15-metre pool, which has been dubbed the studio pool, and boasts a moveable floor and a higher temperature.

All the pools are framed by huge, treated glass windows which will allow swimmers to see out but prevent passers-by seeing in.

Finally, the new building includes spacious changing rooms for both runners using the athletics track and swimmers, as well as a light and airy gym, which is almost three times the size of the old one.

Mr Robson said: “We believe this is the UK's first biomass heated swimming pool – it may even be the first in the world – either way, we’re sure you will be impressed by it.”

And the old leisure centre building hasn’t been forgotten in the revamp, now almost complete ahead of schedule.

Almost £2 million has been spent on continuing the pool’s new design and modern feel throughout the old building, which has a brand new layout and is connected to the pool by a corridor.

The new pool and complex, which replaces the old Hexham pool on Gilesgate, will open its doors to the public on Thursday, August 28.