A new £16m swimming pool and leisure complex has opened in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, six months later than originally scheduled.

The Pier Parade project is part of South Tyneside Council’s regeneration plans. It was designed by LA architects and is being built by Graham construction.

The new centre feature’s a 25m, eight-lane competition pool; an 18m teaching pool and leisure waters with flumes; sprays; bubble pools and water play.

The centre also includes a health club with sauna and steamroom, two dance studios and fitness testing and consultation rooms.

The swimming pool and leisure complex is one in a series of council-led investments in the borough that include a £2.3m waterfront park in South Shields, £4m school and community pool at Jarrow, £5m Littlehaven scheme (beach, promenade and sea defence transformation), and a major new community hub in Hebburn.

Other amenities at the leisure centre include a library express, outdoor terrace and amphitheatre and a rooftop viewing gallery.