Proposals to deliver the legacy phase of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick are taking a significant step forward.

Work is now progressing well on making the centre ready to open to the public in 2023.

In August, Sandwell Council officially handed over its purpose-built venue to Wates Construction for the legacy construction phase.

The first two phases were completed in partnership with Wates in time for the Games despite the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and the wettest winter on record.

The legacy project sees the centre being remodelled and transformed into a state-of-the-art leisure centre for the people of Sandwell and the wider region, set to open to the public in summer 2023.

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The now internationally-recognised venue will retain its 50-metre Olympic-sized swimming pool, 10-metre-high dive tower and 25-metre dive pool, along with seating for a thousand spectators.

In addition to these world-standard features, the centre will also boast the following facilities:

• a community swimming pool (20m x 10m)

• three 150 sqm activity studios

• two four-court sports halls (690sqm each)

• 108-station fitness gym

• 25-station women-only fitness gym

• 33-station indoor cycling studio

• changing village for up to 600 users

• dry diving centre with mini floor trampolines

• a sauna/steam room

• new outdoor football pitch and changing facilities

• new urban park and children’s play areas

• parking for up to 300 vehicles

• a café.

A swimming programme is currently being developed to meet the needs of local residents, schools and swimming clubs, to make sure the local community benefits fully from the centre.

Future plans will see the 10-metre high dive tower and all the diving boards fully used through a comprehensive diving programme, as well as developing a diving club for Sandwell and the surrounding areas.

Swim England is devising a regional diving programme across the region with a firm focus on Sandwell.