Multi-million pound leisure centre plan for Wednesbury after severe fire

A brand new multi-million pound leisure centre will now be built in the Black Country after a fire forced a change in plans.

The original multi-million-pound plan was to rebuild inside the old centre on High Bullen in Wednesbury.

But those behind the scheme were forced into having a rethink after a blaze ripped through the derelict site in July.

Now residents look set to benefit from the suspected arson, which destroyed around 25 per cent of the 1960s building and put two firefighters in hospital with smoke inhalation and debris in their eyes.

Councillor Steve Eling, Sandwell's deputy leader, said: "The fire left the old sports hall in such a state it was beyond economic repair. It's far more cost-effective to replace the building completely so residents get the benefit of a brand-new facility."

The fire put a halt to work on the original £7.1 million plan, being constructed by Interserve, in which the original sports hall was to be preserved.

The site had only just been cleared and prepared before the blaze struck, and Interserve had started laying foundations weeks before.

"Report by But now work is set to begin on the new structure, and ground will be broken on September 17.

Councillor Eling said: "We'll be meeting the cost of the rebuilding the sports hall with money received from an insurance payout, and any remaining balance will be met by the council.

"It is unfortunate that this fire happened but we need to meet our commitment to provide a new leisure centre for Wednesbury which is what we are doing.

"High-quality leisure facilities are one of the council's priorities to help Sandwell people be active, fit and well.

"The new Wednesbury complex will help greatly."

The new centre is expected to have a 25-metre pool, two dance studios and a 100-station fitness suite.

Sandwell Council is working with Sandwell Leisure Trust on the Wednesbury centre.

Paul Slater, the trust's chief executive, said: "We're all looking forward to the new complex being completed to the highest standards, and to a new dawn for sports and leisure facilities in Wednesbury."