Latest designs for Dudley's new leisure centre revealed

The centre will have a 25m swimming pool, a gym, a five-court sports hall, a number of studios and an onsite café when it opens on the current Flood Street car park in 2021.

Work was initially planned to start in April after earlier plans were approved last year but the project was pushed back when planners were ordered to "enhance" the initial designs.

WATCH: Video shows leisure centre plans

Application for planning permission is now expected to follow later in the year, with the centre set to open ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games as a replacement for the current centre in Wellington Road, which will stay open throughout the work.

Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge and Halesowen Leisure Centre are also set to be refurbished as part of the plans which are now expected to cost around £31 million - up from an original estimate of £24m.

It is not yet known what will happen to the Wellington Road site, with options for its redevelopment yet to be considered by the council.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "We are very excited to showcase latest designs for our brand new Dudley Leisure Centre.

"With the 2022 Commonwealth Games coming to the region and the Metro plans set to include a nearby stop, this really is the perfect time for us to get started on this programme.

"This investment will ensure good quality, modern, council run leisure facilities continue to be available to people throughout the borough."

People are invited to view the proposals in more detail at the existing Dudley Leisure Centre on Wellington Road from August 30 until September 11.

Proposals will be next discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 11.