Sandwell Council is delighted to receive confirmation that its bid to secure £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund towards a redevelopment of Haden Hill Leisure Centre has been confirmed.

This project aims to replace the current centre with new swimming and leisure facilities on the site.

The replacement leisure centre will create a modern and attractive building in the heart of Cradley Heath. This will improve the look of the area and increase the pride that the local community has for its town.

The current building is reaching the end of its usable life and a replacement facility will provide the opportunity to reduce maintenance costs and deliver a more energy efficient building.

A replacement leisure centre in the same location will increase access to sport facilities. Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, said:

 “The new modern facility will be an asset for the local community and support the council’s ambitions to boost physical health and mental wellbeing.

”It will have a greater capacity and inspire more people to play sport and exercise regularly. Replacing the current leisure centre will improve access for disabled people and increase privacy in swimming areas.”

The new leisure centre is expected to provide both a main 6 lane pool (25 x 12.5m) and a learner pool (13 x 10m) as well as wet and dry changing facilities.

There will also be a sports hall, gym, indoor cycling studio, dance studios and a café.

Work will now commence to design the replacement leisure centre in detail, and the council will continue to engage with local residents and other interested people as the proposals are developed.

This new development will build on the range of new leisure facilities delivered and opened across Sandwell over the past decade and a total investment of some £135 million.