THE new leisure centre in Dudley town centre is starting to take shape as its steel structure has been erected.

Construction on the Flood Street site began in May following initial enabling work that started in January and has continued throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

It is set to open to the public by the end of 2021.

The £18.2 million project funded by Dudley Council and delivered by Alliance Leisure, will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision, alongside a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more.

It will also include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios for a wide range of exercise classes and a cycle studio.

The centre will also feature a soft play area for youngsters, a cafe and a toning and sauna suite.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "We made a commitment to Dudley residents to provide a top-quality leisure facility and it’s fantastic to see it becoming a reality. When people drive past the site, they can actually see the new centre starting to take shape now.

"I’m impressed with the progress we’ve seen on site in recent months. Workers have been able to carry on with this project while adhering to coronavirus guidelines and help achieve another key milestone in our ambitious regeneration plans for Dudley."

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: "This new leisure centre will offer first-class facilities for people of all ages in our borough and I look forward to the day when we can finally open the doors to the public and they can start reaping the benefits."