Leisure hall gets revamp

Stourbridge's Crystal Leisure Centre is to undergo a major £800,000 revamp with work expected to start next month, it was revealed today.

It was originally expected to cost around £744,000 but council chiefs have now pledged a further £52,000 to the project to provide further facilities.

They will include a children's soft play area and an air-conditioned dance/aerobics studio as well as extra gym equipment.

Dudley Council leader David Caunt said the extra costs would be funded by the increased income generated by the new facilities.

Work will include extending the fitness suite for more users and offering improved fitness equipment.

Plans also include the creation of better changing rooms.

It is part of a £1.4million wider improvements programme which has seen investment in leisure centres in Dudley and Halesowen.

Dudley Council is carrying out the work in a bid to draw customers away from private gyms.

A customer forum was held at the Crystal Leisure Centre last year to find what users wanted.

At Dudley Leisure Centre in Wellington Road, the gym has received an overhaul costing £403,000 - which includes doubling its size - and there is also a replacement reception area and new signs at the site.

A revamped gym has also been unveiled at Halesowen which now features the latest cardiovascular equipment and weights machines. It follows investment of £268,000.

Dudley Council's cabinet approved the £1.4million improvement programme for all three leisure centres in September.

Council spokesman Chris Howes said: "Work on the health suite at Crystal Leisure Centre will start the middle of next month. Most facilities will remain available to minimise the disruption for users."