The changing rooms and swimming pools at Crystal Leisure Centre are being revamped, while a range of improvements have been earmarked for Halesowen Leisure Centre, including a new look entrance, adventure play area and café. There will also be major changes to the swimming pool to cater for learner and advanced swimmers. The plans also include new ‘village style’ changing rooms, pool-side viewing area and a fitness suite.

Meanwhile, work is well underway on a new £18.2m Dudley Leisure centre. The plans are part of a wider major regeneration programme bringing over £1billion investment to the town centre. 

The new facility will include a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. There will be a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more.

The investment will also include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios for a wide range of exercise classes and an immersive cycle studio.

For families with younger children there will be a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room, and a café open to all users of the centre. And for those who want to relax after their workout session there’s set to be a sauna.

There will also be power-assisted gym equipment for specialist support which may be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injury, older customers and those living with long-term health conditions.

“There’s a lot happening with leisure centres at the moment. We are already seeing the new Dudley Leisure Centre taking shape but with the potential for improvements at Halesowen and Crystal, the future looks very bright for leisure centre users,” said councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres.