The works will help decarbonise and modernise the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue, supporting the city council’s transition to becoming a zero-carbon city by 2038.

New energy efficiency measures include a full MEP replacement, addition of over 1000 solar roof panels and two new air source heat pumps.

Following completion of the decarbonisation works, Kier will move onto the refurbishment and modernisation of the venue.

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

Planned new-look acquatic centre entrance

The refurbishment stage will be delivered on a phased basis over two and a half years to minimise disruption and ensure that access to the basement pool is available throughout the works.

Sean Fenner, regional director at Kier Construction North & Scotland, said: “Kier is committed to leaving lasting local legacies, and this project gives us the opportunity to give back to the communities we live and work in through the social value targets set across the duration of the refurbishment.

“These include procuring locally, with 55% of the project spend to be within the Manchester region, a 75% local labour charter and a pledge to create 15 new jobs throughout the duration of the project.”