LEISURE
DUDLEY’S FIRST NEW LEISURE CENTRE IN A GENERATION OPENS The first new leisure centre to be built in Dudley in more than 30 years opened to the public in January. Here, Alliance Leisure Services (ALS) talks to Public Sector Build Journal about the improved sports and leisure facilities as part of a wider regeneration for the town.
28
D
eveloped in partnership with ALS, the £18m Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre forms part of the near £1bn Dudley regeneration programme, which is set to transform the town centre over the next decade. The scheme also includes a new transport interchange; an extension to the Metro line; a mixed retail, leisure and residential hub as well as a multi-million-pound revamp of Halesowen Leisure Centre and improvements to Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge. The new Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre is located on Constitution Hill and is approximately one mile from the former Dudley Leisure Centre, which closed in January. ALS and contractor ISG worked throughout the height of the pandemic to develop the new leisure centre meeting the logistical demands of operating a safe site during COVID-19, while also overcoming the unique challenges presented by the site itself. These included poor ground conditions with voids and coal and extensive works to seal an abandoned well uncovered on the site. The centre is named in honour of the borough’s most famous sporting son – the former England and Manchester United player, Duncan Edwards, who was born and raised in the town. It offers a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. A four-court sports hall is suitable for indoor football, badminton and more, while other facilities include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios and the first immersive cycle studio in the area. A wellness suite featuring power-assisted equipment from Shapemaster provides specialist support for those recovering from injury, older customers and those living with long-term health conditions. For families with younger children, there is a soft play area with dedicated catering as well as a party room, in addition to cafe for all users of the centre. Solar panels have been installed on the roof of the centre, which are estimated to save the local authority more than £250,000 in energy costs over the next quarter of a century.
