Construction work on the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, venue for the Swimming competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, reached a landmark stage today (20 December) when a truss measuring 78 x 7.5 x 4.2 metres and weighing 152 tonnes was installed by two 500-tonne cranes.

There to oversee the operation was City of Glasgow swimmer and Commonwealth Youth Games medallists Alasdair Stirling, who has high hopes of competing for Team Scotland at Glasgow 2014.

The truss forms the framework of the building for the new six-lane 50 metre warm-up swimming pool at Tollcross. This is being built to add to the existing 10-lane 50 metre competition pool, providing a dedicated venue for swimming events at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Additional work at Tollcross International Swimming Centre will result in the creation of a new community facility to replace the fire-damaged Shettleston Burgh Halls; and the refurbishment of the existing Tollcross Leisure Centre.

The design of the enhanced facility was carried out by Glasgow City Council’s in-house design team.

As part of the programme, 1,000 permanent seats will be added to the 1,000 already existing, with a further 3,000 temporary seats in place during the Games.

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Glasgow City Council, said: “The installation of the truss is a landmark stage in the creation of the Tollcross International Swimming Centre, not only a competition venue for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, but for future events and training for swimmers at all levels. Six months after the pool closed, work is progressing very well on a facility that can host swimming competitions at the highest level. The new centre will be a fantastic new facility for Glasgow, benefiting the city for generations to come.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Tollcross has seen some exciting international swimming action over the years, but nothing that will compare to the atmosphere when the greatest swimmers in the Commonwealth enter the water here in 2014. 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 to victory at a home Games.

“It is great to see the re-development of the pool well underway and the action coming one step closer.”

Barclay Chalmers, Managing Director of Barr Construction, said: “The truss lift and installation is a major feat of engineering and really quite spectacular to see. Once erected, the 152 tonne truss will support the roof of the existing building and the extension. Following this milestone the new Tollcross International Swimming Centre will begin to visibly take shape.”