Hoardings will soon be wrapped around the new Dudley Leisure Centre site on Flood Street as building work is set to start.

Initial enabling work began in January and has continued throughout the pandemic following adherence to government guidelines on social distancing. Work on the next phase of the modern, purpose-built facility is set to start at the end of the month.

The £17.4million project funded by Dudley Council, delivered by Alliance Leisure will provide a vibrant, modern hub for people to exercise, socialise and relax.

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 forthcoming adjacent Metro stop and the nearby bus Interchange.

The new facility will include a 25 metre, 8-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. There will be a 4-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.

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 and toning suite. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said:

"This is fantastic news for Dudley. Our residents deserve and need a top class leisure centre and I’m really pleased that work is progressing. We truly are regenerating Dudley, the demolition of Cavendish House is complete and we have great ambitions for our borough. It’s our time to build, connect and grow.

"Once the hoardings go up, work will truly be underway and we should see a new, state of the art centre standing with pride in Dudley by the end of next year."

Works are due to start in May and should be complete by the end of 2021. All three council leisure centres and the Dell stadium currently remain closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and will open as soon as it is safe to do so. Options for the redevelopment of the Wellington Road site are yet to be considered.

All work being undertaken is done so with strict adherence to the latest government guidelines on social distancing and site operating procedures for the construction industry.

All scheduled work is also subject to change, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation.