The outline of the town's Olympic swimming pool is now visible following yesterday's installation of the wooden arches at the site off Westcott Way, for which a special celebration event at the development was held.

The new £20m pool is included in both the London 2012's Olympic and Paralympic Pre-Games Training Camp Guides and will be a regional competition facility.

It will be equipped with modern, moveable floors and booms to provide a flexible space capable of holding international junior diving events and short and long course races.

Speaking yesterday, council leader Pat Fawcett said: "Those of a certain age will remember George Peppard saying 'I love it when a plan comes together' in a programme called the A-Team, and that's what we have here now.

"On August 8, 2006, Corby Council was brave and far-sighted enough to approve the vision for development of a 50m pool for Corby on the premise that only the best will do.

"Now we see the visible evidence of our vision being delivered.

"We have been contacted by authorities larger than us asking how. Well, we believe in investing in our infrastructure and our people.

"I look forward to walking through the door of the Corby East Midlands International Pool."

The beams are constructed using environmentally-friendly glulam – glue laminated timber.

Other facilities will include a 20m training pool, fun pool with flume, a 70-station modern gym, dance facilities, a health suite and café. It is due to open in summer 2009.

Lead member for community Councillor John McGhee said: "It's fantastic – today was the first time I've been on site to see the pool.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone in Corby. It's cost a lot of money but I think it's worth every penny."