Sandwell Aquatics Centre opens it's doors to the public
It was home to the swimming and diving events at the Commonwealth Games last year
The venue which hosted the swimming, para-swimming and diving events at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure centre.
Including a 50-metre pool, 10m dive tower and 25m diving pool, the centre was designed with community use at its heart.
The only brand-new venue for the Games, £2.5m was invested into the project to enable it to serve the Commonwealth’s best athletes, as well as the general public.
Chris Boardman, from Sport England said: "From the global spotlight of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, it is brilliant to now see Sandwell Aquatics Centre open its doors to the public and really kickstart its post-Games legacy.
“From here, the centre will serve the communities of Sandwell, helping to support the health and wellbeing of those who pass through its doors.”
As part of Sandwell Council’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Plan, the three existing swimming clubs in the area have come together to form Sandwell Aquatics Club, which will now be based at the centre – as will a new regional diving club.
The plan also included the development of a swimming programme that meets the needs of local residents and schools – with 40 schools having their swimming lessons at the centre.
Sandwell Council leader Kerrie Carmichael was very happy to see it open: “Sandwell Aquatics Centre was always designed as a community leisure facility first and tailored for use during the Commonwealth Games, rather than the other way around.
“The construction has helped create jobs for local people, local apprenticeships and work for local businesses, and delivering the centre has been a catalyst for significant investment in infrastructure projects in Sandwell.
“The centre will be fantastic for Sandwell people as well as the region’s talented swimmers and divers.
“They will benefit from having a world-class facility on their doorstep for decades to come.”