Groundbreaking is expected on an Olympic-sized swimming pool at the National Sports Centre before the end of the year.

Government yesterday said the proposal is currently in the final stages of design and "well on course" to be ready for the 2013 Island Games despite the economic crisis.

A major swimming complex and diving centre has been planned for more than 20 years, but has reportedly faced financial shortfalls.

The latest design, unveiled last November when $15 million Government cash was awarded to the NSC's trustees, includes a 50-metre pool, diving pool, therapeutic facilities for rehabilitation and a water slide.

A spokesman for the Department of Sports yesterday said no timelines or information on budgets or tendering were available at this stage.

But he stated: "We are well on course and the plans are in the final stages of design with groundbreaking expected before the end of the year."

Premier Ewart Brown has previously pledged the NSC development would be finished by 2011. Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney has said the pool construction project will take two years.

Announcing the pool development was on Government's agenda in last year's Throne Speech, Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: "As an Island nation we can be internationally competitive in swimming events and the investment in this facility will further enhance the work of others who have already demonstrated success in this sport."

Mr. Blakeney said then: "I think Saltus pool has run its course, it has served the swimming community extremely well, but I think it has outgrown itself because of the popularity of the sport."

Organisers of the Island Games have said that, even if the pool isn't ready, the 25-metre pool at Saltus will suffice for the purposes of the 2013 event.