Following a revamp managed by Alliance Leisure, we are delighted to report that the 25 metre swimming pool at the Crystal Leisure Centre has re-opened to swimmers. The leisure pool will re-open later this month, bringing with it the return of free swimming sessions for children.

The redevelopment of the wet side facilities at this centre is the first project to complete as part of the £31 million investment by Dudley Council that also includes the construction of a brand new leisure centre in Dudley and a transformational redevelopment of the centre in Halesowen.

The upgrade works at Crystal Leisure Centre have included a complete tile repair, re-grout and clean of both the 25-metre pool and the leisure pool, as well as the addition of several interactive water features and a DJ booth to compliment the leisure pool, where the slides have also been relined and painted.

The changing facilities have been completely remodelled to create a spacious changing village perfect for families.

Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley Council’s cabinet member responsible for leisure centres, says: “It’s fantastic to see the 25 metre pool back open at Crystal. I had the chance to have a look around and I must say the contractors have done a first class job.”

The works at Crystal Leisure Centre are part of a wider £31million leisure regeneration programme procured through the UK Leisure Framework, Developed and Managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, which has seen Alliance Leisure work with construction partner, Speller Metcalfe, to deliver the project.

Julia Goddard, Senior development Manager , Alliance Leisure, says: “It’s fantastic to see the difference this investment has made at the Crystal Leisure Centre. By committing investment in leisure, Dudley Council is creating active environments for residents to enjoy for many years to come and we are delighted to have been involved in such a transformational project.”

Residents in Halesowen are also to benefit from the Council’s investment, with an £8.8 million remodelling project well underway at the Halesowen Leisure Centre. Here, the fitness suite has been expanded and a wellness suite added to extend the appeal to a wider segment of the community, plus the adventure play area, café and main entrance will all enjoy a revamp. In the pool area a new changing village will enhance the experience for learners through to advanced swimmers.

In Dudley, construction of the new, £18.1 million Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre is also underway, with the centre due to handover in November and open in January 2022.

Benefiting from excellent public transport links via the forthcoming adjacent Metro stop and the nearby bus Interchange, the new leisure centre 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, plus a sauna, 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios and an immersive cycle studio – a first for the Black Country – and power-assisted wellness centre which may help those recovering from injury, older customers and people living with long-term health conditions.

There will also be a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room, and a café.