Multi-million pound leisure centre regeneration completes in Halesowen
Residents in Halesowen, West Midlands, can now enjoy a completely re-invented leisure experience thanks to a major upgrade of community facilities.
The Dudley Council development, delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, has seen Halesowen Leisure Centre transformed into a vibrant activity hub with a new mix of facilities that cater for all.
The extensive project was carried out across two phases to minimise disruption for centre users with the first beginning in 2021. This included the conversion of the former learner pool and changing rooms to a new reception area, café and large adventure play area perfect for families, alongside the addition of a new wellness suite complete with a ‘power assisted gym’ to encourage engagement from older adults and those new to exercise.
As well as the remodelling of the centre, the existing gym was also extended and studios refurbished.
Outside, the leisure centre has received a brand-new look with replacement of the existing façade and landscaping works to improve its overall visual appeal and entrance, with the first phase completing in December last year.
Phase 2 of the scheme followed immediately, and completed this October. This included the reconfiguration of the pool area to create a 25-metre pool and 12.5 metre learner pool, both supported by a new changing village. With improved accessibility features, all members of the community can now access facilities on site.
Speaking about the development, Julia Goddard, senior business development manager, Alliance Leisure, said: “This project has brought the town’s leisure provision back in line with the diverse needs of today’s community.
“Leisure provision needs to keep up with the changing needs of the community, and Dudley Council has recognised this, investing in creating a sustainable provision that will support a healthy and active community both now and in the future.”
Working through the UK Leisure Framework, Alliance leisure worked closely with construction partner, Speller Metcalfe, and project managers, Axiom, to deliver both phases of the project.
Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “It has been fantastic to get to the completion of construction works at the leisure centre – in particular the swimming pool which will be a highlight for users. We know how important facilities such as these are to the local community, and we’re delighted to have worked with the Council, Axiom and Alliance Leisure to make this scheme a reality for Halesowen.”
This project marks the completion of a multi-site leisure regeneration programme for Dudley Council. Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework (owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure), the Council has also delivered a new-build £18.2 million leisure centre in Dudley and an extensive re-modelling of the existing Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.
Councillor Simon Phipps, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise at the Council, said:
“The completion of extensive work significantly improves our leisure provision for residents across the Borough.
“In partnership with Alliance Leisure, we set about designing a future where everyone’s leisure needs are catered for. Investment now will create a sustainable future for our leisure centres that will support the welfare of our Borough’s population for generations to come.”