'It's hard to keep up': Steel framework reaches full height at Bransbury Park as rapid progress continues

The steel framework at a multi-million pound leisure centre has reached its full height as contractors make speedy progress.

Visible developments are being made at the £22 million Bransbury Park leisure centre which is due to be complete by the end of next year.

In a recent bulletin update, published by Portsmouth City Council, it said the tallest section of the steel framework reached its full height and has expanded further in the past two weeks. The steel fitters are off site for a couple of weeks, but they are due to return to continue work on the remaining sections.

The new leisure centre will feature two swimming pools, a gym, fitness studios and a GP alongside its recently-opened nearby park which has undergone a major renovation.

The swimming pools have are making a splash at the site, with the concrete walls being poured along the deep end and both sides of the main pool. The only section still to be completed is the shallow end and the shuttering is in place ready for the next concrete pour. Once this stage has been completed, the full outline of the pool will be visible.

Pipework is now being fitted, with both pools sharing a single plant room. This means there will be a lot of pipework that needs to be carefully installed before the concrete is poured.

Attention is also being turned to a new storm drain which will collect rainwater before it is directed to an attenuation tank which will serve as a giant underground holding tank. It will temporarily store excess rainwater and will then slowly release it into the drainage network which will prevent flooding in the area.

As previously reported by The News, the cost of the new swimming pool has jumped by £696,000 due to the removal of waste soil from the site, forcing the city council to dip into reserve funds.

More updates to follow.