Delivered in two phases, the project got underway in February 2021 with the conversion of the former learner pool and changing rooms into a new reception area, café and large adventure play area.

Further space conversion saw a new wellness suite, including a power assisted ‘gym’ to encourage engagement from older adults and those new to exercise, along with an extension of the existing gym and studio refurbishment. Outside, the building’s façade was replaced and landscaping works carried out to improve the overall visual appeal and entrance. The first phase completed in December 2021. 

Phase 2 followed immediately and completed in November 2022. This included the reconfiguration of the pool area to create a 25m main pool and 12.5m learner pool supported by a new changing village. All facilities cater for those with accessibility issues, creating opportunities for use by all members of the community. 

“This project has brought the town’s leisure provision back in line with the diverse needs of today’s community. Leisure provision needs to keep up with the changing needs of the community. Dudley Council recognised this and invested in creating a sustainable provision that will support a healthy and active community both now and in the future,” said Julia Goddard, senior business development manager at Alliance Leisure.

Alliance Leisure worked with construction partner, Speller Metcalfe, and project managers Axiom to deliver both phases of the project. 

This project marks the completion of a multi-site leisure regeneration programme for Dudley Council. Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure, the Council has also delivered a new-build £18.2m leisure centre in Dudley and an extensive re-modelling of the existing Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.

“The completion of extensive work significantly improves our leisure provision for residents across the Borough. In partnership with Alliance Leisure, we set about designing a future where everyone’s leisure needs are catered for. Investment now will create a sustainable future for our leisure centres that will support the welfare of our Borough’s population for generations to come,” said councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member fir regeneration and enterprise at Dudley Council.