The new centre, which has been built as an extension to the current leisure centre in Exning Road, has been beset by problems since work began nearly three years ago and is around 18 months behind schedule and over budget with the total cost estimated at around £14 million.

But the new facilities look to be worth the wait, with a new six-lane 25-metre pool and separate learner pool, complete with spectator seating, set to take over from the 72-year-old existing town pool, which will close its doors for the last time on Friday, December 12 .

Leader of Forest Heath Council, Cllr Geoffrey Jaggard, said: "The pool has served the town well and is still attracting some 75,000 swimmers annually but it has been showing its age in recent years.

"The swimming pools in the Newmarket Leisure Centre are built for the 21st century and are a magnificent facility."

It will be run by leisure trust Anglia Community Leisure, which will be based at the new centre.

Chairman Richard Balfe said: "We're now down to the last leg of our work towards opening and the finishing touches are being put in place. All the staff are excited that the project is nearing completion and we're looking forward to a January opening."

The current Newmarket Leisure Centre will close on December 7 to allow time for the staff to be fully trained to operate the new facility. They will also be testing all the equipment and systems to ensure they are working effectively and efficiently.

All customers have been forewarned of the closure and arrangements put in place to enable Active Card holders, who pay monthly, to have their direct debit payments suspended and to access any other facilities free of charge, while annual payers will have their expiry date extended.

On January 3, a special charity event will give local fundraisers the chance to be the first to swim in the new pool.

Newmarket Rotary Club and Newmarket Swimming Club have teamed up to organise a charity swim-along, which is open to teams of between four and six swimmers.

For more information and entry forms for the event, contact organiser Colin McCarty on 01638 669400.