NEWLY-opened Tollcross International Swimming Centre attracted more than 20,000 fitness fans in just two weeks.

And 500 new members have signed up for the Glasgow Club at the pool.

The venue, which will be used during the Commonwealth Games, has been refurbished at a cost of £13.8million.

As well as a new 50m warm-up pool, the fitness suite has been doubled in size and new flooring laid in the sports halls.

The gym is now one of the largest and best equipped in the city.

More than 10,000 people have used the pool in the past fortnight with 6500 attending the gym and fitness classes.

There were a further 3500 visits during the opening weekend.

Glasgow Life chairman Archie Graham said: "Since opening its doors, Tollcross International Swimming Centre has been extremely popular with the local community with thousands of people coming in to use the world-class facilities in just two weeks.

"It is local people who will be using it on a daily basis and it is fantastic to see the Glasgow Club Tollcross has already signed up its 500th new member.

"It is already one of the busiest leisure centres in the city and I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming months."

The venue will host a world-class events programme including the swimming competition at the Commonwealth Games next year and the 2015 IPC World Swimming Championships.

It is also at the heart of the city's bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games as it would be the competition centre for both swimming and diving.

The Glasgow Club, which is run by Glasgow Life on behalf of the city council, is Scotland's largest health and fitness network with 26 leisure centres, 12 swimming pools and around 1000 fitness classes each week.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk