THE refurbished swim centre includes an improved 10-lane, 50-metre competition pool and a new six-lane, 50-metre warm-up pool, creating one of the largest facilities of its kind in Europe.

The Glasgow East End venue will host the swimming competition for the Commonwealth Games next year and an extra 1000 permanent seats have been included in the venue.

It will also host the Scottish Open Swimming Championships next month, the 2015 IPC World Swim Championships, and is at the heart of the city's bid for the 2018 Youth Olympics.

However, before the elite athletes arrive, the public will be able to make the venue their own.

As well as the pool improvements, the fitness suite at the Glasgow Club Tollcross has been doubled in size, while new flooring has been installed in the sports halls.

A community facility has also been created to replace the fire-damaged Shettleston Burgh Halls.

The gym at Tollcross is one of the largest and best equipped in the city and includes 85 cardiovascular and strength conditioning stations.

A range of equipment is available for people with disabilities, including three handcycles and six fixed resistance machines.

The Glasgow Club Tollcross will also operate more than 70 fitness classes each week, including bodypump, G-cycle, bodyjam, zumba, yoga, bodybalance, step, easy exercise and RPM. For further information see the website: www.glasgowlife.org.uk

City council deputy leader Archie Graham said: "The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will leave a lasting legacy of new and improved sports venues for the people of Glasgow and Tollcross International Swimming Centre is right at the very heart of this programme.

"These facilities will be used on a daily basis, giving people of all ages and abilities the chance to swim and train in a world-class venue. The wait is over – Tollcross is ready."

Sportscotland contributed £650,000 towards the construction costs and its chief executive Stewart Harris said: "As the excitement for the Commonwealth Games continues to grow, the official opening of Tollcross International Swimming Centre marks another crucial milestone on the road to Glasgow.

Our investment into the refurbishment of this facility has helped Glasgow City Council create a world-class venue that will play host to the swimming events during the Games.

"It will also provide a lasting sporting legacy for the whole community as we strive to maximise the opportunities for people across the country to become involved in sport and physical activity."

The main building work at Tollcross was carried out by Barr Construction.

Its managing director Barclay Chalmers, said: "The whole project team has worked tremendously hard to create the new Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

"We are confident it will be used and enjoyed by local and elite swimmers for many years to come."

Tollcross pool closed in October 2011, with the games courts and gym shutting a couple of months later.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk