Sandwell aiming for one of the "best community leisure centres" in the country
The Sandwell Aquatics Centre is currently under construction
Exciting plans to deliver the legacy phase of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick and to give Sandwell one of the best community leisure facilities in the country are taking a huge step forward.
The Centre hosted one of the largest international sporting events of 2022 - the Commonwealth Games, where the swimming and diving events took place.
The legacy project now sees the centre being remodelled and transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure centre for the people of Sandwell and the wider region, set to open to the public next summer.
The now internationally recognised venue will retain its 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, 10-metre-high dive tower and 25-metre dive pool, along with seating for a thousand spectators.
They are also introducing a community swimming pool, a dry diving centre, a fitness gym as well as a women's only gym.
Sandwell Council Leader Councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “This is fantastic for Sandwell people who, together with the region’s talented swimmers and divers, will benefit from having a world-class facility on their doorstep for decades to come.
“This amazing development is a key project for both regeneration and health – and the construction itself has already boosted the local economy by helping to create jobs, apprenticeships and work for local businesses in the supply chain.
“The centre is part of the council’s wider plans to regenerate Sandwell and drive further investment and opportunity, so it’s great to see how the legacy phase is taking shape,” she said.