A DOUBLE Olympic gold medallist has cut the ribbon on the new Lichfield Leisure Centre.
Rebecca Adlington OBE, co-founder of the The ReCreation Group which developed the facility, joined locals for the official opening.
Located at Stychbrook Park off Curborough Road, the centre has a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, 3G sports pitches, dance studio, spin studio, community room and an outdoor play area.
It was built to replace the Friary Grange Leisure Centre.
Rebecca said:
“Sharing the key milestones of this project and watching the development of Lichfield Leisure Centre from the first spade in the ground to the first swimmers in the water has been a joy.
“Opening the new centre is a wonderful reminder of how powerful community spaces can be. Learning to swim changed my life – and I believe every child and adult deserves the same opportunity.
“Facilities like this make swimming accessible to everyone, helping build confidence, safety, and a lifelong love of being active.”
Cllr Andy Smith, deputy leader of Lichfield District Council, said:
“We know how important quality sports facilities are to residents in Lichfield district and so we are very proud of the leisure centre that we have been able to deliver.
“It’s a first-class development of a contemporary design which will help people of all ages enhance their health, fitness and wellbeing.
“I’d like to thank ReCreation, Stepnell, The Friends of Friary Grange, local sport user groups and the council’s project team for their contribution and input.
“Thanks also to local residents for their patience and understanding while the leisure centre was constructed.”
