Key phase reached in construction of Picky swimming complex

The construction of the new swimming complex at the Pickaquoy Centre has reached a key phase this week, according to the man in charge of the build.

In perfect weather conditions today, the first of nine giant beams were craned into place, over what will become the main competition pool. Each of the curved beams span 20 metres and weigh in at three tonnes.

Since work began last summer, the competition pool, the leisure pool, and the spectating areas have been taking shape, and the placing of the nine “Glulam” beams, which are manufactured in Austria, marks an important part of the construction process.

Gordon Williamson, the site manager for Morrison Construction, explained that while steel beams could have been used instead of the specially constructed composite beams, the latter were chosen as an aesthetic feature.