Plans to make the Sandwell Aquatics Centre one of the best community leisure facilities in the country are coming along nicely, according to council officials.
Due to open this summer, the centre is currently being transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure centre that includes the 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving boards that were used by competitors in last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Additionally, residents can expect the following facilities:
- three 150 sqm activity studios
- two four-court sports halls (690sqm each)
- 108-station fitness gym
- 25-station women-only fitness gym
- 33-station indoor cycling studio
- changing village for up to 600 users
- dry diving centre with mini floor trampolines
- a sauna/steam room
- new outdoor football pitch and changing facilities
- new urban park and children’s play areas
- parking for up to 300 vehicles
- café.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “The centre will be fantastic for Sandwell people who, together with the region’s talented swimmers and divers, will benefit from having a world-class facility on their doorstep for decades to come.
“This amazing development is a key project for both regeneration and health – and the construction itself has already boosted the local economy by helping to create jobs, apprenticeships and work for local businesses in the supply chain.”
Other plans for the centre include a brand-new diving club and a packed swimming programme to benefit the local community, including schools.
When the centre was first built for the Commonwealth Games, it required a whopping 1.2 million gallons of water, 1,900 tons of steel, 190,000 tiles and 3,000 metres square of concrete!