WITH less than four months before the new Selby Leisure Centre is due to open to the public, images of its progress have been released.

The multi-million pound Abbey Leisure Centre in Scott Road burned down in February 2013, and teams from Wates Construction have been working to create the new centre since earlier this year.

Now, after more than five months of construction, the centre is looking closer to completion than ever.

A Selby District Council spokeswoman said: "The Wates team are entering the latter stages of the build, putting some finishing touches to what is set to become a fantastic facility. The roof construction is now complete, so the team’s attention has turned to the building’s interior, with both the main pool and learner pool currently being tested and tiled.

"The building envelope is in advanced stages, with the glazing underway on the main facade and the final delivery of glass due in November. All of the installations of mechanical and electrical equipment are progressing well with the main plant equipment now installed and cabling works underway on the first floor. Finishing works are also in progress and the interior plastering is almost finished. You can really see what the centre will be like once it’s complete."

The new centre includes a six-lane 25m swimming pool and a learner pool, a studio gym, sauna and steam rooms and an outdoor all-weather sports pitch.

Earlier this month, a 'topping out' ceremony was held, to mark the placement of the topmost beam of the building, with representatives from Wates presenting a yew tree to deputy leader of the council Gillian Ivey - a symbolic gesture dating back to pagan times, and meant to bring good luck to the building.