Work on new Dudley Leisure Centre to start next week
Work will start next week on Dudley's long-awaited leisure centre, it has been revealed.
Preparatory works will start on the site in Flood Street next Monday after council planners approved the proposals earlier this month.
The Flood Street car park will close from Monday as a result.
Residents are being warned that there may also be some disruption to nearby roadways and footpaths, but council bosses say it will be kept to a minimum wherever possible.
The new leisure centre is expected to open in 2021 and will include a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, sports hall, studio meeting spaces, spin studio and cafe.
Work was initially planned to start in April but the project was pushed back when planners were ordered to "enhance" the initial designs.
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "The Dudley Leisure Centre proposals have now been through the full planning process and we are looking forward to work beginning after the Christmas break.
“This fantastic new facility will enhance the town centre offer and play a part in Dudley’s regeneration.”
As well as the new Dudley Leisure Centre, the £31 million leisure programme will also see Stourbridge’s Crystal and Halesowen leisure centres refurbished in the coming years.
The council is borrowing to fund the investment which is costing £7m more than was originally budgeted.
Throughout the development of the new site, the existing Dudley Leisure Centre will remain open.
Options for the redevelopment of the site of the current centre on Wellington Road are yet to be considered.
