Work has been completed at Northern Ireland's first Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) pledged £14.4m towards the development and is part of the new Bangor Aurora leisure complex.

It comprises of a ten-lane pool, a diving pool and associated changing and spectator facilities. The 50m pool has been designed to international FINA (world governing body for aquatic sports) standards. The project will also incorporate the flexibility of use for performance training, leisure use and minor competition. The facility can also be divided to accommodate smaller groups, with schoolchildren using the 25m sections and a diving display.

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Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín visited the site and said: "This is a landmark project which has been built with the significant funding and assistance from the Executive through the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

"This is a place where the athletes of today and tomorrow will train and compete. Where champions will be inspired to give their all and nurtured to achieve their potential. But everyone, from elite competitors to the occasional swimmer, will be able to use and enjoy this facility."

The Minister also credited those involved in the project, including North Down Borough Council, Farran Construction, McAdam Design, Sport NI and Swim Ulster.

The pool opens to the public on Saturday 23 March 2013.

(JP)