Sandwell Council has announced its decision to keep the damaged swimming pools closed at Haden Hill Leisure Centre, pending the rebuilding of the centre due to commence early next year.

The pools closed in March due to a partial collapse of the ceiling and have remained closed while the council and Sandwell Leisure Trust have been waiting for the results from experts carrying out surveys at the centre. Councillor Charn Singh Padda, cabinet member for leisure and tourism said:

“We are sorry to announce that Haden Hill swimming pools will remain closed. We understand this is not the news everyone wished for and this has not been an easy decision.

“Due to the age, condition and finite lifespan of the current centre, bringing the pools back into use was subject to making them safe for customers and staff – a substantial repair or replacement of the ceilings was not a viable or value-for-money option.

“We have exciting plans, following our successful bid to secure £20million from the Levelling Up Fund to rebuild Haden Hill Leisure Centre and we expect work to begin on-site in early 2024.

“The rest of the centre will remain open until the rebuild commences in early 2024; including the gym, fitness classes, sauna steam and sports activities will all continue to be available until this time.

“Again, we apologise to current customers at Haden Hill Leisure Centre but hope they will find alternative swimming pools at surrounding leisure centres. Including the state-of-the-art swimming facilities at Sandwell Aquatics Centre, just under four miles away from Haden Hill.”

The new leisure centre is expected to provide a complete renewal of the 47-year-old leisure centre, with further details around this exciting development to follow later in 2023. Mark Braithwaite, Chief Executive of SLT said:

“We are disappointed not to be able to reopen the pools to our customers but their safety and the safety of our staff has to come first and repair options were not able to guarantee this.

“We wish to sincerely thank all our loyal customers and staff that have been waiting for an update and although this is not the news we all wanted, we do look forward to bringing further updates of the development for a new centre to ultimately replace Haden Hill Leisure Centre.

“We are aware that many swimmers have already found alternative swimming facilities, but for those that haven’t, we urge them to see what other swimming pools are available, including the brand-new Sandwell Aquatics Centre set to open on Monday 24 July.

“We will be in touch with all our customers whose details are registered, to advise them of their options in the coming days.” Current customers including those who have suspended their swimming lessons are urged to contact Sandwell Leisure Trust via email.

Those with site-only membership to Haden Hill Leisure Centre will be offered a transfer to a Sandwell Leisure Trust operated site of their choice.