The pool at Halesowen Leisure Centre is closing at the end of the month for an extended period as part of a multi-million pound revamp of the site.

The pool will close from Tuesday August 31st to allow it to be partially drained, refilled and repaired, with lighting improvements also planned as well as better provision for spectators. Changing rooms are also to be revamped with new changing village style facilities. It is expected to be back open for swimmers again in Spring next year.

The relocated temporary gym and limited fitness facilities will still be open during the pool works, which form part of the second phase of the centre’s revamp.

The first phase, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, will see a brand new reception, entrance and café area created at the Pool Road centre. A new soft play area and catering facilities will also be added where the learner pool used to be.

Gym facilities are being improved with the addition of new equipment and a toning suite. Facilities are also being made more accessible, with provision for a lift as well as the creation for the first time of a changing places room for people with support needs. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, said:

"We have committed as a council to the biggest spend on leisure services in decades. To make such improvements will naturally entail a little disruption while works are ongoing, and closing the pool is unfortunately unavoidable. The last chance for people to swim before the closure will be on Bank Holiday Monday.

"We will endeavour to make sure the works are completed as quickly as they can be, so we can get the new improved pool and changing areas back open as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused - but I promise you the work will be worth the wait!"

At the Crystal Leisure Centre the outdated changing rooms have been removed and completely remodelled – with more family focused facilities - and work has been undertaken to improve the experience for swimmers. New artwork adorns the slides in the leisure pool, which have been repainted, and the popular wave machine has been totally refurbished. The 25m pool has also been drained and refilled, with improved lighting installed.

The council has also taken the opportunity to address a backlog of repairs and maintenance items, as well as installing energy efficient lighting in a number of areas. This follows on from the installation of a £600,000 ground source heat pump and is one of the many ways the council is responding to climate change.

The centre in Bell Street has now fully re-opened and work is well underway on the new £18.2 million Duncan Edwards Leisure centre in Dudley. The council has agreed to fund photovoltaic panels on the roof that will make the new leisure centre one of the most energy efficient around.

The plans are part of a wider major regeneration programme bringing over £1billion investment to the town centre. The new leisure centre will benefit from excellent public transport links through the forthcoming adjacent Metro stop and the nearby bus Interchange.

The new facility will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. There will be a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more. The investment will also include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios for a wide range of exercise classes and an immersive cycle studio, a first for the Black Country.

For families with younger children there will be a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room, and a café open to all users of the centre. And for those who want to relax after their workout session there’s set to be a sauna.

There will also be power-assisted gym equipment for specialist support which may be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injury, older customers and those living with long-term health conditions.