Construction begins on the £12.7m Droitwich Leisure Centre scheme
Work has officially started this autumn on the £12.7 million redevelopment of Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre – a project funded by Wychavon District Council.
Following the completion of initial enabling works, the main project is now underway. Designed by Watson Batty Architects and delivered by main contractor Speller Metcalfe, the redevelopment promises a major transformation of the much-loved community facility.
The upgraded centre will feature a brand-new 8x12m learner pool, housed within a modern extension that also includes a welcoming new reception and café area. The addition will allow a full programme of swimming lessons to run without impacting the main pool’s timetable, helping residents of all ages to develop swimming as a vital life skill.
Commenting on the plans, Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, said: “This refurbishment is about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about growing confidence in the water, removing barriers to activity and futureproofing a vital community asset. We’re proud to support Wychavon’s net-zero ambitions while enhancing the experience for every visitor.”
Alongside the new pool, the project will deliver extensive modernisation across the centre. Upgrades include the renovation of changing areas, the addition of three flexible-use treatment rooms, and improved mechanical and electrical systems. A key focus is sustainability, with air source heat pumps and solar panels helping to boost energy efficiency and support the council’s target of achieving net zero by 2030.
Cllr Dan Birch, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Wellbeing, Social Mobility and Transformation, said: “I’m delighted to see how quickly work is progressing on delivering this vital upgrade to Droitwich Spa Leisure centre. You can already see the foundations of the learner pool begin to take shape and I’m excited to watch the scheme develop over the coming months. This is part of our multi-million-pound investment in leisure and wellbeing in the town. We are committed to progressing these schemes at pace to ensure the full leisure offering in Droitwich is delivered in a timely manner for the benefit of our residents.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Mark Hudgeon, Regional Director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre redevelopment to life. Working closely with Alliance Leisure and the Council, we are committed to delivering a facility that the local community can enjoy for years to come, combining modern design with sustainable solutions.”
Speller Metcalfe has a strong track record working with Alliance Leisure as a delivery partner for the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Current projects include Brough Leisure Centre in Leek, Thorne Leisure Centre in Doncaster, and Haden Hill Leisure Centre in Cradley Heath.
As a separate contract, the Droitwich project will also see upgrades and expansion to the car park and a new skatepark and pump track installed, further supporting Wychavon’s multi-million-pound investment in leisure, health, and wellbeing in Droitwich Spa.