BLACKBIRD Leys youngsters were treated to a sneak peak around the site of the estate’s new £9.23m swimming pool.

Last week children from Windale Primary and Mabel Prichard Special School visited the site of the complex that is being built by construction company Willmott Dixon.

They were also shown drawings of what the finished facility will look like and they were able to ask questions.

Year Four Windale teacher Tom Payne said: “The children were interested to know what was going on at the site and they were asking quite a few questions. “It will be good for the area.

“It will be nice and close for the school.

“I have heard parents saying they will take their children there.”

He added: “It will have a positive impact on the area.”

The visit was the first in a series organised by Willmott Dixon with Oxford City Council.

Mike Rowley, the city council’s board member for leisure services, said: “This was a great opportunity for young people from the local community to have a sneak preview of how the new pool is taking shape, as well as the chance to find out about all the exciting features and technology included in the building.”

The facility will provide an eight-lane, 25 metre pool with moveable floor, a teaching pool, as well as jets and sprays, a soft play area and new changing facilities. It is next to the existing Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre and will replace both Temple Cowley Pools and Blackbird Leys Pool.

It is due to be completed next December.

The project is part of the city council’s modernisation of leisure facilities, following improvements at Barton, Blackbird Leys and Ferry Leisure Centre.