Bowls plan for gym is given nod

Wolverhampton's derelict and vandal-hit Healthland gym could be brought back to life as a bowling alley within months after it was announced today that transformation plans had been approved.

AMF Bowling, which runs two other centres in the city, has been given the nod to transform the landmark building in Bentley Bridge.

The news signals the end of a long-running saga over the building, which has been targeted by vandals.

The future of Wolverhampton's other established AMF centres – Strykers in Bushbury Lane and Bowling Express in Birmingham Road – is now under review by bosses who are contemplating whether all three centres will be viable.

Richard Cook, AMF director, said today: "We continue work on our plans for Bentley Bridge in expectation of opening around Christmas time.

"Both of our existing bowling centres continue business as usual."

Healthland has been empty since it closed without warning in February 2006, leaving 4,000 members out of pocket and 50 staff without a job.

Rumour of a takeover by a major leisure company was rife for months before AMF confirmed they were interested in developing the site.