A NEW swimming pool constructed as part of a £31m leisure centre development has been filled with water for the first time.

At 25m long and boasting six lanes, the Redcar pool at the Heart Leisure Centre holds 487,000 litres of water and has been finished with 21,950 individual tiles.

It is being filled slowly over four days to prevent any cracks in the concrete base before being heated to the correct temperature of 29 degree celsius and chemical filtration added.

The learner pool, which has a movable floor that goes from ground level to 2m deep, will take three days to fill after the main pool.

The Heart development will provide a focal point for local communities and visitors and not only include swimming pools, sauna and steam room but also a register office, fitness suites and conference facilities.

It will also be home to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s new council chamber, which will also double up as a multi-purpose space that can be used for community activities.

Councillor George Dunning, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "This is such as significant step and now the pool is being filled, it brings it home that it is only a matter of weeks before we open the doors of this eagerly anticipated facility to the public.

"All of the work has been carried out to the highest standards and looks fantastic."