Hillingdon Council is giving local residents the first chance to try out the new Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex in Uxbridge this month, prior to the official opening in March.

The multi-million pound complex, which includes the first 50 metre Olympic-sized pool to be built in London for 40 years, opens exclusively to Hillingdon residents on February 22 and will be officially opened by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson on March 23.

The council's own investment of £26 million to build the complex was enhanced by funding of £2.025 million from the London Development Agency, £1.5 million Sport England and £1m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Construction and restoration works on the site in Gatting Way, Uxbridge began in 2006 as part of the council's commitment to providing first-class sporting facilities for local residents and will also provide training opportunities for aspiring athletes.

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Amongst the facilities bringing the site firmly into the 21st century are new 50m indoor pool, shallow pools, a 100 station gym, a multi use sports hall, spin and dance studios, as well as a crèche, sauna and steam rooms, classroom facilities for courses and training, and a café serving healthy food.

The 1930's open-air swimming pool, grandstands, cascades and entrance building has also been completely restored as part of the development. The pool, which is grade II listed, is the only remaining example of a 12-sided 'star' swimming pool in the country.

The complex will be run on the council's behalf by the not for profit organisation Fusion Ltd.

Dan Reynolds, Fusion's Head of Sports and Community Development has been working on the programme of activities, he said: "This is a fantastic time for sport and leisure in Hillingdon. The options are exciting, not only for the general public, who will now be able to experience what it's like for the Olympic Swimmers in the 50m pool, but for local school children and the swimming clubs in the area. In addition to general swimming, a programme is being developed to provide opportunities for the community in water polo and triathlon."

(CD/GK)