Scheme was originally built by John Laing

Kier has won a £32.5m scheme to refurbish the 20-year-old Manchester Aquatics Centre.

John Laing started work on the £22.5m scheme, designed by FaulknewrBrowns, in 1996 with the complex opening in 2000 two years ahead of the Commonwealth Games which were held in the city.

Kier will overhaul the M&E and install a number of renewable energy generation works as part of client Manchester city council’s plan to become zero carbon by 2038.

Manchester Aquatics (4)

The pool was completed by Laing in 2000

The first phase of the job will involve decarbonisation works before Kier moves onto the refurbishment and modernisation of the venue.

The ground, first and second floors will be refurbished including replacing M&E, pool filtration, movable floors and booms in the pools as well as reconfiguring the changing room and gym spaces.

Refurbishment will take place over two and a half years on a phased basis with Kier asked to leave the site next summer so the venue can host the World Paralympics Swimming Championships.