The swimming pool at Monmouth Leisure Centre is set to re-open next Monday (8th August) after undergoing a £300,000 facelift.

The pool closed back in February with the refurbishment of changing rooms the main priority, but with closure came an opportunity to safeguard the future of the rest of the building.

The changing rooms have been transformed as promised, with new floors, sinks and showers installed.

The floors throughout the building have been replaced and the upstairs viewing gallery has been opened up to give parents more room.

A plasma TV with a live poolside link is likely to be the next addition to the area.

The pool room has a new damp-proof ceiling and has been redecorated. The pool itself has been drained, acid washed and refilled.

"It took us six days to fill it because it we could only do it a bit at a time," said centre manager Nick Butler.

"It took 300,000 litres of water. Now we need to start filtering and heating it, which is another long process.

"We only heat it half a degree an hour so the pressure change isn't too great."

As well as the visible building works, efforts have been made to make the pool more environmentally friendly, including a new heating system and filter.

Leisure centre staff have been also undergoing extra training over the past few months and will be offering extra swimming lessons, snorkelling, aqua aerobics and more.

"I'm really excited and I hope our customers will be too," added Nick.

Giles Howard Monmouthshire County Council's cabinet member for culture and environment, said: "This is an exciting time for everyone in the Monmouth area, and these newly refurbished facilities show how committed we are in enabling our citizens to lead healthier lives."