PICTURES of a new public swimming pool set to open in King's Cross were released this afternoon (Friday). The leisure facilities have been built into the council's new office block, known as 5 Pancras Square. It follows Camden's decision to sell the annexe building connected to the current Town Hall in Judd Street.

The new pools are due to open on July 19. The St Pancras Library will also be re-located to the site.

Council leader Councillor Sarah Hayward said: "I'm delighted to announce that these fantastic new facilities will open on 19 July, in time for the summer break. These new community services provide some of the things that local residents asked for when we negotiated with the developers regarding the King’s Cross regeneration."

Afe Komolafe from Somers Town Community Centre said: “The opening of the Pancras Square Leisure means so much for the Somers Town community as we’ve been asking for a swimming pool for years!  Finally, it’s right on our doorstep and I am certain it will be well used by members of the community, especially those who currently have to travel all the way to Kentish Town to use the facilities there.”

An opening weekend will be held on Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July to showcase the new facilities.