Residents in Halesowen, West Midlands are now enjoying a completely re-invented leisure experience at the town’s leisure centre thanks to a major upgrade of its leisure centre
The Dudley Council development, delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, has seen Halesowen Leisure Centre transformed into a vibrant activity hub with a new mix of facilities that caters for everyone.
The extensive project was carried out in two phases. The first began in February 2021 which saw the conversion of the former learner pool and changing rooms to a new reception area, café and large adventure play area perfect for families. Further space conversion saw a new wellness suite, complete with a power assisted ‘gym’ to encourage engagement from older adults and those new to exercise, along with an extension of the existing gym and studio refurbishment. Outside, the building’s façade was replaced and landscaping works carried out to improve the overall visual appeal and entrance. This phase completed in December last year.
Phase 2 followed immediately and completed in October 2022. This included the reconfiguration of the pool area to create a 25-metre main pool and 12.5 mere learner pool supported by a new changing village. All facilities cater for those with accessibility issues, creating opportunities for use by all members of the community.
Working through the UK Leisure Framework, Alliance leisure worked closely with construction partner, Speller Metcalfe, and Project Managers Axiom, to deliver both phases of the project.
Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “It has been fantastic to get to the completion of construction works at the leisure centre – in particular the swimming pool which will be a highlight for users. We know how important facilities such as these are to the local community, and we’re delighted to have worked with the Council, Axiom and Alliance Leisure to make this scheme a reality for Halesowen.”
This project marks the completion of a multi-site leisure regeneration programme for DMBC. Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure, the Council has also delivered a new-build £18.2 million leisure centre in Dudley and an extensive re-modelling of the existing Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.
Councillor Simon Phipps, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Enterprise at Dudley Council, says:
“The completion of extensive work significantly improves our leisure provision for residents across the Borough.
“In partnership with Alliance Leisure, we set about designing a future where everyone’s leisure needs are catered for. Investment now will create a sustainable future for our leisure centres that will support the welfare of our Borough’s population for generations to come.”