The Cabinet supported funding a new £10m purpose-built leisure centre at Stychbrook Park and allocating up to £1.55m of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding in new leisure and sports projects in Lichfield and Burntwood. The CIL allows local authorities to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in the area.

The much-needed new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park will replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre and feature a six-lane 25m swimming pool, a vending area, a dance studio, a changing area for outdoor activity, a 3G pitch, a 80-station fitness suite, group cycling studio and cycling points.

If approved by the Council, a pre-existing design will be adopted with works commencing in October 2023 and the facility expected to open by December 2024.

Cabinet is recommending that £1.45m of CIL funding is awarded to develop a range of sports and leisure activities including an aqua park at Stowe Pool featuring outdoor swimming and paddleboarding; a climbing wall and a soft play at Burntwood Leisure Centre; Adventure Golf at Beacon Park to replace the pitch and putt together with an obstacle course and padel tennis and a 3G sports pitch in the city for rent by community and sports groups.

An award of £100,000 is also recommended for Chasetown Football Club for the development of a 3/4G turf pitch.

Cabinet members also approved the transfer of the management, budget and operation of Burntwood Leisure Centre and Friary Grange Leisure Centre from current operator Freedom Leisure to the District Council from 1 April 2023.

The recommendation that management of the District’s leisure centres reverts to the District Council comes after discussion with Freedom Leisure and a mutual agreement has been reached to terminate its contract.

Final approval of the Cabinet decisions will be requested at a meeting of the Full Council on 28 February.

“We know good, modern leisure facilities are very important to residents and benefit fitness and good mental health. We are therefore committed to investing in leisure activities to support the current and future wellbeing of our residents and will deliver a new leisure centre for the district plus a number of exciting new activities,” said Councillor Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council.

“We are investing in those activities that were most popular when we asked residents what they wanted to see in the District. We have also agreed with Freedom Leisure to assume management of the District’s leisure centres and will ensure they remain open for residents to enjoy.”