These are striking new images of the magnificent £13.7million facility which will host the swimming competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The venue will also prove to be a lasting legacy for the people of Glasgow for generations to come.

Today the Evening Times can reveal new artist's impressions of how the Tollcross Aquatics Centre will look as work was due to get under way this week.

A new six-lane 50m warm-up swimming pool will be created to complement the existing 10-lane 50m competition pool at Tollcross to provide a dedicated venue for swimming events at the games.

A new community facility to replace the fire-damaged Shettleston Burgh Halls will also be created along with the refurbishment of the existing Tollcross Leisure Centre with the work due to be completed by early 2013.

Councillor Archie Graham, executive member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, was joined by Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, at Tollcross Leisure Centre to mark the start of construction.

They were also joined by Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland and Jak Scott, 200m Freestyle Relay silver medallist at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, who trains at Tollcross.

As part of the programme, 1000 permanent seats will be added to the 1000 already existing, with a further 3000 temporary seats in place during the Games.

Councillor Archie Graham said: "The Tollcross Aquatics Centre project will bring a world-class swimming facility both for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the decades thereafter, and a new community facility.

"Such a venue can only increase the appeal of Tollcross for swimmers of all abilities, attract future competitions and deliver even more success for the City of Glasgow Swim Team."

The new six-lane, 50m training pool will include a manual traversable bulkhead and scissor operated moveable floor. Wet changing accommodation will also be provided in addition to a dance studio, conditioning suite, staff facilities and spectator seating to the existing competition pool from the new terraced concrete upper floor.

One of the benefits for the community is the provision of a new community facility to replace the Shettleston Burgh Halls which was destroyed by fire in 2008.

The facility – to be located at the front of the current centre – will provide an extended foyer/café, kitchen, function rooms, stores, toilets, bar and main hall.

The existing facility will also undergo an element of refurbishment including cleaning and repairing high level steelwork to the pool hall and reception area, renewing the wet change cubicles and lockers together with new floor and wall tiling and drainage alterations.

Shona Robison, minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, said the venue will leave a lasting legacy for the local community and the people of Glasgow.

She said: "It is great to see work beginning on this venue which will help to showcase Scotland's world class facilities during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"We are investing record levels in swimming to ensure more people can become part of an Active Scotland and the provision of this new facility will help provide more opportunities for people to become physically active and enjoy the many benefits that can accrue."

Michael Cavanagh, chairman of Commonwealth Games Scotland, said it was great to see the re-development of the pool now under way and the action coming one step closer.

Mr Cavanagh said: "Team Scotland swimmers have been extremely successful at the last two Commonwealth Games and I know how much they will enjoy and benefit from the support of a fabulous home crowd cheering them on."

sportscotland chief executive, Stewart Harris said: "As Glasgow 2014 continues to draw closer, it is really exciting to see another great venue taking a step towards being ready for competition.

"Tollcross has been a focal point for swimming in the city for many years, with all of our Commonwealth athletes taking to the water to compete.

"The refurbishment will ensure we have the best venue possible for the Games, but it will also leave a lasting legacy for swimming in the city by providing both recreational and competitive swimmers with a fantastic environment to take part and enjoy their sport."

As part of the community benefits clause included in such contracts (reflecting the council's economic and social objectives), Barr Holdings Ltd has confirmed within their tender that they will employ 18 New Entrants over the duration of the project, including two apprentices.

Barclay Chalmers, managing director of Barr Construction, said: "We are proud to be playing such a significant role in delivering a first-class sporting facility which will be warmly welcomed by some of the world's top swimmers, as well as by local people."

David Grevemberg, acting chief executive of Glasgow 2014, said the start of construction at the centre was another crucial milestone in the build up to the Games.

He said: "This indicated that we are on track and on budget in our preparations for Glasgow 2014. The two 50m pools will provide elite swimmers with a world class facility and encourage the next generation of swimmers to follow in their footsteps.

"The venue will provide the perfect setting for swimmers to battle it out for gold, silver and bronze during the Games and will leave the people of Glasgow with a spectacular facility for years to come."

deborah.anderson@eveningtimes.co.uk