£8.1m Wednesbury leisure centre takes shape

Wednesbury Leisure Centre is being built on the site of the old centre, but the project suffered a setback after a blaze broke out damaging the former sports hall. Construction of the complex started three months ago.

Now passers-by can see the skeletal metal structure taking shape at the site, in High Bullen.

Sandwell deputy leader Councillor Steve Eling said: "I am very happy to see the progress at Wednesbury. The facilities are coming together quickly and I am looking forward to seeing the completed leisure centre this year."

Sandwell Leisure Trust chief executive Paul Slater said: "We are delighted to be managing the new Wednesbury Leisure Centre which will no doubt become a major sport, leisure and fitness hub for the local community."

The council says building contractor Interserve is working hard to ensure that work continues smoothly and the new leisure facility is set to open in later this year.

Interserve's divisional director Simon Butler said: "Over the last few years we have been involved in several projects in Sandwell which have helped to sustain and grow the local supply chain we rely on.

"It's great to see the team working together in delivering this great facility for the l`ocal community."

When completed it will have a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, two dance studios and a 100-station fitness suite.

The digging for the main pool and learner pool has been completed and building has now started on the concrete shell that will hold the water.

The next stage is to build the centre's walls and launch work on the roof.

It will be the fourth new leisure site to open in the borough in the last two years, with the new £12.5m West Bromwich Leisure Centre having opened in Moor Street on June 2.

The £8m Tipton Leisure Centre opened in April last year as well Portway Lifestyle Centre, in Oldbury, which cost £18m.