Dudley’s new £18 million Duncan Edwards leisure centre will open to the public before the end of the month, it was announced today.

The flagship centre, named after the borough’s most famous sporting son, will officially open its doors on January 24.

Work has been continuing at pace, despite the pandemic, and is now almost complete. Visitors to the new centre, in Constitution Hill, can expect a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator area. There will be a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more.

The complex will also include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios offering a wide range of programmes including a state-of-the-art immersive cycle studio – the first in the Black Country.

People can also 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 also a soft play area, café, party room and sauna.

It is part of a £1 billion investment in the town which includes a new Midland Metro extension, very light rail innovation centre, university campus and much more. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member responsible for leisure centres got a sneak peek before the official opening. He said:

"I am delighted we have been able to produce such an outstanding leisure facility – the first in the borough for a generation. The facilities it boasts are second to none and I am sure new and existing visitors to our leisure centres will be overwhelmed with what we have to offer.

"We have membership offers available that will be suitable for everyone, whether you are a newcomer or a seasoned gym-goer or swimmer. Our staff are friendly and welcoming and will make everyone feel comfortable during their first visit.

The council is also running an offer of a 12 months’ membership for the price of 10 at £320, or 90p a day.

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.