Dudley’s new £18 million leisure centre opened its doors to the public this week and marked a new era for the borough.

The new Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre, named after the borough’s most famous sporting son, is the first leisure centre to be built in a generation.

From today, visitors to the new centre, in Constitution Hill, can access a new 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator area. There’s also a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more.

The complex includes a new gym and fitness suite, two exercise studios offering a wide range of programmes as well as a state-of-the-art immersive cycle studio – the first in the Black Country.

People can use the new power-assisted gym equipment, which will be particularly beneficial for people recovering from injury, those living with long-term health conditions or people with limited mobility. There’s a soft play area, café, party room and sauna.

The council is running an offer of a 12-month membership for the price of 10 at £320, or 90p a day. Alternatively, people can sign up for a Direct Debit Lifestyle membership up until 14 February 2022 and pay nothing until 1 March 2022. Terms and conditions apply.

Millions of pounds have also been spent on revamps at Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge and Halesowen Leisure Centre as part of the biggest spend on leisure services in the borough for decades. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

"I was up and out early this morning and was one of the first people through the doors as I couldn’t wait to test out the new gym. It didn’t disappoint. I’m equally excited to get going in the pool and try out the immersive cycle studio.

"Today marks a new era in our leisure offer, this building is exceptional and is complemented by the major redevelopments of Halesowen and Crystal leisure centres.

"I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in creating this new facility. It’s something for us all to be proud and shows the regeneration of Dudley is moving in the right direction.

"It’s now over to the public to try the centre out for themselves and see why we’re so excited to finally open its doors today."

For more information on membership offers, visit dudley.gov.uk