The complex features a 50m swimming pool with seating for 500 spectators, a 25m diving pool and a two-storey Wellness Centre.

The building, situated next door to the Stadium of Light, is the first in the UK to filter and recycle rainwater that falls on its roof for use in the pool and was built to be ‘super-efficient’.

Bob Symonds, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “The council has worked long and hard to make this a reality. The Sunderland Aquatic Centre is one of the finest facilities in the whole of the country.

“There’s no doubt it will offer superb facilities for talented swimmers but, most importantly, it’s a fantastic community facility and somewhere families can take their children to have fun.”

The centre – which has already been chosen as a potential 2012 Olympic training venue – has been funded by Sunderland City Council, Sport England, the European Regional Development Fund, One NorthEast, TyneWear Partnership, Sunderland arc and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.