Ambitious plans revealed for future of Wolverhampton leisure centres
Leisure bosses have pledged to be more “ambitious” in their vision to transform series in Wolverhampton.
Councillor Steve Evans said Wolverhampton city could “become known” for its WV Active leisure centres, which currently have 10,000 members.
And the city environment boss said there was “no reason why” the facilities could not be built across Wolverhampton, with an area dedicated for cycling.
He said: “We do compete against the private gyms, absolutely.
“I don’t think some of them are as good as we have at WV Active.
“We have to think about the east, south, west and north of the city and there’s no reason we can’t dedicate an area for cycling.
“Who says we should not have a velodrome? Maybe we’ll have some national competitions there.
“We have got some big ambitions for the city and there’s the Commonwealth Games as well.
“It’s coming in Birmingham, down the road from us, and we should be aiming for some first class facilities for our people and for visitors.
“There’s no limit to what we can do.”
WV Active was losing £1 million per year several years ago but is now on track to contribute to the council’s budget.
And some “exciting plans” over its future will be shared with councillors over the next 12 to 18 months.
Councillor Evans added: “We have to have some ambition and I think the more that’s out there the more people will utilise it.
“I would suggest there’s an appetite and demand in Wolverhampton and we should meet that and feed it.
“I’m genuinely excited on what we can provide in East Park, Bilston, in the city centre, in Wednesfield, and in the south west of the city.
“We’re not too big, but we’re big enough to do something and become known for it.
“I look forward in the next 12 to 18 months and sharing some exciting plans.”
Councillor Phil Bateman, who represents Wednesfield North, said he welcomed the plans and felt more people could benefit by using the canal network.
He said: “One of the biggest assets we have is the canal network.
“We do see more and more people bringing their boats and staying overnight.
“When we have a boat staying they spend £100 and there’s an opportunity there to do a little more.
“We’ve got an advantage and I would like to see us use that in a sensible way in the future.”
WV Active leisure centres are place in Aldersley, set in 50 acres of land, located just off the A449 Stafford Road; Bilston-Bert Williams, which is served by the 25, 25a, 26 and 57 bus service; and Central, which is also a competition swimming venue in the heart of city.
