Sandwell Council has announced that work has now commenced at the site of a new £8.1m swimming pool complex to be developed in Tipton, West Midlands.

Work is currently being carried out to create a new access road to the new pool complex site from Alexandra Road and Thursfield Road. The project is to be completed by spring 2013. The venue - designed by Sandwell Urban Design Architects, the council's in-house service - will feature a 25m, six-lane swimming pool and a learner pool.

A changing village, a dance studio and a fitness suite are also planned as part of the facility, with the main construction phase due to commence early next year. Councillors will meet today (18 May) to consider a planning application that deals with the design of the facility.