Preliminary work on the first stages of the new Dudley Leisure Centre is set to start on Monday 6th January.

Councillors approved a planning application in December for a new council-run leisure centre in Dudley town centre. Preparatory works will include diverting underground services.

In order to begin this ambitious multi-million pound project, Flood Street car park will be closed from Monday 6 January when the work begins. There may be some disruption to nearby roadways and footpaths but this will be kept to a minimum wherever possible. Letters are going out to residents over the next two weeks.

Town centre parking will still be available in Tower Street and Wolverhampton Street.

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

The plans are part of a wider major regeneration programme bringing over £1billion investment to the town centre. The leisure centre will benefit from excellent public transport links through the adjacent Metro stop and the nearby Interchange. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

“The Dudley Leisure Centre proposals have now been through the full planning process and we’re looking forward to work beginning after the Christmas break.

“This fantastic new facility will enhance the town centre offer and play 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.