Work has started on a £479,000 scheme to refurbish the Fore Street Pool in Ipswich, Suffolk, as part of Ipswich Borough Council's (IBC) £4m investment in local swimming facilities.

The 114-year-old swimming pool, which is one of the oldest operating facilities in the country, will benefit from new floors in the changing rooms, new lighting and vending facilities and a complete redecoration of the building's interior and exterior. Construction company ISG Jackson has been appointed by the council to carry out the work at the Fore Street facility, which is expected to be closed for the next 12 weeks. The town's Crown Pools will accommodate customers dring the works.

Judy Terry, IBC portfolio holder for arts, culture and leisure, said: "We are committed to making Ipswich a premier sports town and we are spending £4m on upgrading our swimming facilities. "While we regret the inconvenience caused to customers we are accommodating their needs where possible at Crown Pools and we are sure they will welcome the fantastic improvements."

Stuart Talbot, divisional director for ISG Jackson Special Projects, added: "The Fore Street Pool is an iconic building within Ipswich and this programme of refurbishment and modernisation will enable the facility to continue to provide an important service to the local community. The council's plans to improve local swimming facilities will also result in a £3.5m revamp for the Crown Pools site next year, which will receive new changing rooms, a reception area, improved pool plant and other facilities.