£5.7 million pool and spa opening at Blackbrook Pavilion, Taunton, on Saturday

The facility attached to Blackbrook Pavilion sports centre replaces the outdated pool in St James Street, which closed earlier this month and is set to be demolished.

The new state-of-the-art building boasts a 13-metre teaching pool and 25-metre main pool, with public swimming offered from 8am on both days this weekend.

It also has a viewing area, coffee corner, changing village and a spa experience offering a range of treatments and therapies, including a full thermal spa with hydro pool, sauna, steam room, monsoon shower, heat experience and ice fountain.

The four treatment rooms include a couples room, relaxation room, nail bar and juice bar.

The project has been discussed by Taunton Deane Borough Council for well over a decade.

Project manager Alison North said: "I'm very proud of it and pleased for Taunton.

"It's great to be able to have this offering and to be part of a project where we can create something which is going to benefit the community."

Leisure facilities manager Mark Washington said: "It's a really exciting project.

"It's taken a lot of hard work, but the final product is fantastic."

Cllr Catherine Herbert, Taunton Deane Borough Council's executive councillor for sports, parks and leisure, said: “These new facilities will be a great asset for people of all ages from our youngest swimmers to our oldest.

"Our intention has been to provide 21st Century facilities that will serve the community for many generations to come.

"The pools look fantastic and are sure to be a great attraction not only for locals but for visitors to Taunton Deane.”