A SWIMMING complex in Southend has won an regional award for it’s interesting construction.

The Southend Swimming and Diving Centre, in Garon Park, was given the Best Technical Design and Construction award by the Local Authority Building Control East Anglia.

The award recognises the work done by people on buildings which have had to be constructed in an unusual way in order to keep the designs within planning regulations.

During the building process for the pool, which opened in November and cost £13.5million to construct, designers came up with a number of solutions to tricky areas of the centre, including reinforcing the pool ends to help withstand the weight of the diving board.

Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for culture and tourism, said the award was a “terrific achievement” for those involved in the building process.

Mr Jarvis said: “The successful delivery of this inspirational project reflects the ambition, vision enthusiasm and drive of the whole project team.

“Their skills and close teamwork helped them to meet all the technical challenges admirably.”