Construction work has started on the £5m redevelopment of Sherwood Baths in Mansfield. The facility will be renamed the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre when it reopens, in celebration of the facility where the double olympic medalist learnt to swim.

The contractor, G F Tomlinson Building, is in the process of adding two lanes to the existing four-lane swimming pool, a new performance athlete pool training tank, a new changing village, a multi-purpose room and an enlarged larger gym. There will also be a new two storey block with poolside changing rooms and improved disabled access, changing rooms dedicated to schools and clubs. The existing learner pool and pool hall will be refurbished.

Tony Egginton, executive mayor at Mansfield District Council, said: "For years, many children including Becky Adlington have learned to swim at Sherwood Baths and this project will provide the opportunity for future generations to follow in her footsteps." "The baths have to be temporarily closed in order to get the work done and to bring the facility into the 21st century." The new centre is expected to open in January 2010.