More spaces planned for Bilston leisure centre where gym-goers are left struggling to park

Wolverhampton Council said it plans to add 22 new spaces to the Bert Williams Leisure Centre car park in Bilston to address ongoing parking problems.

The application said the gym’s members were "often struggling to find a space during busy periods" and drivers often left cars on verges, double yellow lines, crossings and spaces reserved for coaches and emergency services – particularly at the gym’s entrance.

Improvements would also be made to the car park’s main crossing as part of the work after concerns were raised about its safety for pupils at the neighbouring Ormiston SWB Academy who use the crossing regularly to access the school and sports facilities.

“Cars sometimes speed around the car park,” the application said. “They often do not often slow down for the crossing as it is not obvious that it is one.

“This is also to be addressed as part of the application.”

A description included with the application to Wolverhampton Council said: “The proposal introduces 17 permanent parking bays and five temporary bays through the removal and relocation of existing bays, relocating the minibus bay, regrading landscaping to create a flat surface for parking, and the relocation of six trees.

“Additionally, works such as repainting road markings and signage to improve visibility at crossings are included.”

The proposals for extra parking were mooted at the end of 2022, resulting in a public consultation a year ago before the planning application was finally submitted this week.

Multi-million-pound plans to build a new health and wellbeing centre next to Bert Williams Leisure Centre were approved by the council in 2023.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is being funded by £20m government funding, would replace the existing Bilston Urban Village Medical Centre and bring together primary and community health, social care, and wellbeing and leisure providers.