Liverpool's new £17m Aquatics Centre officially opened today (10 July), the first day of the Amateur Swimming Assocation (ASA) Championships, which are being held at the venue.

All 37 members of the British swimming squad will compete in the championships, the last competitive meet before the Beijing Olympics, and helped the leader of the city council, Warren Bradley, unveil a plaque at the official ceremony, before diving into the pool with local schoolchildren for a swimming session.

"I can't think of a better occasion to officially open the centre than the start of the ASA Championships," said Bradley. "Bringing such a major sporting event to Liverpool is a real coup for the city. It's fantastic news that the pool is already helping us attract the nation's elite swimmers to Liverpool."

The new centre in Wavertree replaced the Picton Baths, which at 80 years old, had to close because of structural problems. It boasts a 50m swimming pool, a 400-seat arena, a 20m training pool and the Lifestyles Fitness Centre next door was upgraded into 100-station gym.

The venue had its soft opening in March, and has already had nearly 100,000 visits, with more than 1,600 joining up as new Lifestyles members.

Funding came from Liverpool City Council (£13m) and Sport England (£4m).