Redditch Borough Council (RBC) has announced that work is now underway on the Worcestershire town's new £6.57m swimming pool.

ISG has been appointed by the council to deliver the facility, which is due to be completed in 2012 and will be housed in an extension to the existing Abbey Stadium Sports Centre. A 25m, six-lane pool with tiered seating for 300 spectators, a smaller learner pool and a changing village will be included in the new extension.

Meanwhile, the Abbey Stadium facility itself is also in line for an overhaul, which will include a new gym and dance studio and an improved outdoor 400m athletics track. A new reception and upgraded changing facilities also form part of the refurbishment, which will be carried out while the sports centre remains fully operational.

RBC leader Carole Gandy said: "This is great news for the town and a significant milestone in our plans to bring the people of Redditch first class leisure facilities. "Everyone knows that Redditch is crying out for a modern swimming pool and this is another step along the way to that reality."

ISG regional managing director Jonathan Kell added: "Once completed, this purpose-built site will feature a comprehensive range of modern leisure amenities and I'm confident that this will provide the catalyst for increasing overall levels of sports participation within the town."