DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE has taken part in a topping out ceremony at Lichfield’s new leisure centre.
The swimming ace joined civic leaders and project partners for the event at Stychbrook Park.
The main structure of the £11.3million facility is now complete, with the doors expected to open for the first time in December.
It will include a 25-metre swimming pool, an 80-station gym, spin and dance studios, a community room and an outdoor pitch with new changing facilities which Lichfield District Council say will replace the “ageing” Friary Grange Leisure Centre.
As founder of ReCreation – the specialist leisure consultancy which has led the development of the leisure centre – the Olympic champion returned to see progress having previously attended a ceremony to mark work beginning last year.
She said:
“I’m excited to see the new Lichfield leisure centre coming to life.
“Having access to modern swimming facilities is so important for inspiring the next generation of swimmers and creating opportunities for local communities to develop healthy habits.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team at ReCreation, who have developed a wonderful facility to maximise the investment from Lichfield District Council, ultimately providing vital facilities, giving children the opportunity to learn, improve and develop a love for swimming.
“Spaces like the new Lichfield leisure centre at Stychbrook Park can truly transform lives and promote healthy, active lifestyles.”
Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“This ceremony wasn’t just about the concrete and steel – it’s a celebration of how far we have come as a community in creating a leisure centre we can all be proud of.
“Thank you to all those who have made this possible.”
An “80 station gym” ! Is that what translates as “leisure” these days.
What brain power came up with that inspiration for a local authority “Leisure Centre”.
Aren’t there enough of those facilities lying dormant most of the time in commercial facilities ? Thus obviating the need to incur public expenditure ?
Sorry, but I come from a different mindset where green gym activity provides more than enough physical exercise to keep my nigh on 9th decade frame fully engaged. But then I also expend that energy alongside others in keeping my locality looking great, over and above what the immediate garden provides. Well-being is therefore also fully protected.
So this event was what was causing a traffic jam and cars parked all over the grass verges on Curborough Road the other day.
After a whole park has been destroyed against the wishes of local people, churning up a few verges is neither here nor there
Time for a sweepstake on which green space LDC will next concrete over.