Work on the new £24m Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, has reached a milestone after the large wooden beams that will support the roof were installed.

Glulam beams have been shipped over from Denmark following an eight-week design and a 14-week manufacturing process. Each of the five beams are more than 35m long.

It will take contractor Willmott Dixon three weeks to complete the installation of all sections of the beams in the concrete and steel frame of the S&P Architects-designed complex.

Due for completion in summer 2012, facilities at the leisure centre will comprise a 500sq m (5,382sq ft) spa area with a 60sq m (646sq ft) terrace overlooking the nearby abbey.