WORK will start next month on a £6million upgrade of Tollcross International Swimming Centre which will take a year.

It will result in improvements to the main swimming pool, sauna, steam room and reception area and the building getting a new roof.

The first phase of work will start on Monday February 6 when the main pool will close to allow work to start.

Swimmers will be able to use the second 50m pool which was installed for the Commonwealth Games.

The first phase will last until October when the main pool will re-open. Work will then begin in the gym, sports hall and fitness studio with the venue re-opening fully in February next year.

Glasgow Life say the work will make the building more sustainable and economical and will ensure it meets the needs of the local community it serves as well as continuing to attract major international sporting events.

Customers will be advised exactly how long they will be affected by the construction work and what their alternative options will be while the main pool is closed.

Glasgow Life chairman Archie Graham said: “Our Glasgow Club facilities are very popular in all the local communities they serve, offering spaces where people can come to get active and keep fit as well as catch up with friends and spend some valued family time.

“A Glasgow Club membership allows customers to use any facility across the city - not just their local venue - and throughout the period of improvement works, staff will gladly welcome you at alternative facilities if you wish to use them.

“We realise the works will be an inconvenience for Glasgow Club customers but it is a short term pain for a long term gain as these improvements will ensure Tollcross International Swimming Centre continues to serve the local community for decades to come.”

Tollcross, which hosted the swimming events during the Commonwealth Games has an Olympic standard 50 metre pool which was extensively upgraded for the sporting event and a second 50-metre pool which was added as a warm-up facility