Work has already started on the state of the art four-storey building, located in what was once the heart of Clydebank’s shipbuilding industry on the town’s historic Queen’s Quay. Once completed in early 2017, the new facility will replace the ageing Play Drome on Abbotsford Road.

Designed by architects Kennedy FitzGerald Associates, the new leisure centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, teaching pool, leisure pool with waves and flume; changing facilities, a café, multi-purpose sports hall with retractable seating, fitness suite and a dance studio.

Doug Keillor, regional director at BAM Construction, said: “This is something of a return visit for us as we are sitting on the doorstep of Clydebank College which we completed in 2007 and which really started the regeneration of this area. We were selected for our strong track record in delivering this type of project but this is a challenging site as we are virtually in the river and it’s a complex and futuristic design, so we won’t be resting on our laurels.”

Council leader Martin Rooney added: “Clydebank has a proud sporting history and this centre is going to hone the next generation of sporting talent. It marks the start of a new chapter for Queen’s Quay and I think we are all excited to welcome the first of our residents to the new centre in 2017.”

A key part of the regeneration strategy for the area, the new leisure centre will feature Scotland’s first fully-interactive flume ride.

The Aqua Smash Experience flume uses the latest technology from Holland and features a game with touch point lights throughout the slide which give swimmers points. At the plunge-pool a display screen shows your time, speed and score so you can compete with friends and family.

Participants will also have their picture taken at the end of the flume and have the option of sending it to their social media sites or email address using the tablets which will be installed within the facility.

The centre will open in early 2017.