Councillors have approved a planning application for a new council-run leisure centre in Dudley town centre with enabling works expected to start early next year.

Proposals for the two-storey centre on Flood Street, which is expected to open in 2021, include a 25 metre swimming pool, state of the art gym, sports hall, flexible studio and meeting spaces, spin studio, soft play and an onsite café.

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

Council leisure centres will be retained in each of the three existing areas of the borough. Alongside the new build centre in Dudley, the multimillion pound leisure programme will also see refurbishment of Crystal and Halesowen leisure centres.

The council will use prudential borrowing to fund the investment in leisure centres. The total cost of work to all three centres is currently estimated to be in the region of £31million. Alan Lunt, deputy chief executive of Dudley Council, said: 

“The Dudley Leisure Centre proposals have now been through the full planning process and we’re looking forward to works getting underway early in the new year.

“This fantastic new centre will enhance the town centre offer and plays a part in Dudley’s regeneration.”

Throughout the development of the new site, the existing Dudley Leisure Centre will remain open. Options for the redevelopment of the Wellington Road site are yet to be considered.