Lichfield District Council is delighted to announce that today marked the official groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Lichfield Leisure Centre at Stychbrook Park.
The event was graced by one of the most successful and celebrated British swimmers of all time, two-time Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington OBE, who joined Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, alongside representatives from local swimming clubs and community organisations.
The new leisure centre, which will begin construction shortly, is set to become a cornerstone of health and fitness for the community, with completion expected in 2025. The state-of-the-art facility will offer a range of amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of Lichfield's residents, from beginners to experienced athletes and will replace the ageing Friary Grange leisure centre.
Rebecca Adlington, speaking at the event, emphasised the vital role of physical activity in all stages of life.
“Exercise is so important at every age, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been active for years. I’m thrilled that my company, ReCreation, has played a key role in this incredible development. We’ve worked hard with council officers to ensure that this new leisure centre will be relevant and accessible to everyone in today’s society, providing a space that promotes health, well-being, and community.”
Councillor Doug Pullen expressed his excitement about the project’s progress, stating,
“I’m delighted that this long-awaited project is now underway and we are delivering on our promise to deliver a brand new leisure centre for Lichfield. This project has been shaped by the community since the very beginning - I’m confident it will serve our district well for many years to come.”
Adrian Barnes, Regional Director of works contractor Stepnell said today
“We’re excited to have been selected as the contractors for the new local leisure centre following a rigorous and in-depth procurement process. This project is a fantastic opportunity for us to contribute to the community, and we are excited to begin work on-site in September.
“Our team is committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with local residents throughout the construction process. We will be actively liaising with the community to keep everyone informed and engaged as the project progresses. It’s important to us that local people feel involved and confident in the work we are doing to bring this exciting new facility to life."
The new Lichfield Leisure Centre is a significant investment in the future health and well-being of the community, reflecting the Council’s commitment to providing first-class amenities for its residents. As construction begins, the Council will continue to engage with the community to ensure that the facility meets the needs of all users.