Work has started this week on an eagerly awaited multi-million revamp of Halesowen Leisure Centre.

Contractors have moved in at the Pool Road site and the work – which includes improvements to the gym and a new children’s play area – is expected to take around 12 months.

Fencing has gone up outside the centre which will also get a new look entrance and café. Benches and lockers have been removed in early work to revamp the changing rooms. There will be major changes to the swimming pool to cater for learner and advanced swimmers, while the plans also include new ‘village style’ changing rooms and a pool-side viewing area.

It comes as work continues at pace on improvements at Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge, and on the new £18 million leisure centre in Dudley town centre. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"It is fantastic to hear that work has started on the improvements at Halesowen Leisure Centre. Along with the ongoing works at Crystal and at the new site in Dudley, it reaffirms our commitment as a council to offer top-class leisure facilities for people in the borough to enjoy.

"Work is well under way at Crystal Leisure Centre to demolish the existing changing rooms at the Bell Road site. They will be replaced by more modern village style changing facilities, with work expected to be completed by mid July this year."

The construction of the new Dudley Leisure Centre continues at pace and is on track to open early next year. The new £18.2 million facility 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.

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.