Dudley's new £18m leisure centre taking shape
This photograph shows the construction of a new £18.2million leisure centre in Dudley taking shape - with workers assembling the start of its steel structure.
The facility, located on Flood Street car park, will eventually provide a vibrant and modern hub for people to exercise, socialise and relax.
It will be equipped with a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision.
There will also be a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton, a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios and a cycle studio.
Dudley Council, which is funding the project, hope to have the facility open ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games taking place in Birmingham.
The plans are part of a wider major regeneration programme bringing over £1billion investment to the town centre.
The leisure centre will benefit from good public transport links such as the forthcoming Midlands Metro stop, which will be located adjacent to the site, and the nearby bus interchange.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "We made a commitment to Dudley residents to provide a top-quality leisure facility and it’s fantastic to see it becoming a reality.
"When people drive past the site, they can actually see the new centre starting to take shape now.
"I’m impressed with the progress we’ve seen on site in recent months. Workers have been able to carry on with this project while adhering to coronavirus guidelines and help achieve another key milestone in our ambitious regeneration plans for Dudley."
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, added: "This new leisure centre will offer first-class facilities for people of all ages in our borough and I look forward to the day when we can finally open the doors to the public and they can start reaping the benefits."
