大象传媒

The 11 timber beams will support the roof of the centre and so mark a key stage in the building process.

Weather permitting, engineers will start the process of easing them into place on Thursday morning.

The beams each weigh several tonnes and are half the length of a football pitch. They have been shipped over from Austria where they were made.

Two cranes have been brought in for the job and will hoist the beams into place at the site next to the Stadium of Light.

The 拢19.8m aquatic centre will house a 50 metre pool, diving pool and wellness centre.

It will provide facilities across the community, including local people and nurturing talented young swimmers.