New pictures have been released, revealing that construction of Dudley’s new £18 million Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre is almost complete, with the site set to open early in the new year.

Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, was given a tour for the first time of the site in Constitution Hill.

Contractors ISG Construction are on track to complete building work by early November, with gym and exercise equipment then being moved in and the two pools filled with water. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"This was my first visit to the new leisure centre site and I was absolutely blown away by it. The contractors have done an outstanding job - it’s seriously impressive and a facility we can be proud of.

"It’s the first new leisure centre we have built in the borough since Crystal in Stourbridge in 1990 – that was before I was even born!

"As a council we have committed to the biggest spend on leisure services for decades with the work we have done here and the revamps of Crystal and Halesowen leisure centres.

"It means residents will have access to affordable, accessible, state-of-the-art leisure facilities and I can’t wait to see the new centre open."

The new Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. There will be a four-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. The centre is to partner with Les Mills UK, using company branded equipment to offer the fitness classes that have become world renowned.

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.

There will also be power-assisted gym equipment for specialist support which may be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injury, older customers and those living with long-term health conditions.

For more information on regeneration projects in Dudley, go to regeneratingdudley.org.uk.