Lichfield’s brand-new leisure centre has been officially opened by double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE, marking an exciting new chapter for sport, health and wellbeing in the city.
Rebecca, co-founder of The ReCreation Group, which developed the centre, joined local councillors, community representatives and sports groups for a celebratory opening event at the new facility on Curborough Road.
Delivered for residents by Lichfield District Council, the state-of-the-art leisure centre has been designed to the highest standards and includes a 25-metre swimming pool, fully equipped gym, 3G sports pitches, dance and spin studios, a community room and an outdoor play area.
The centre replaces the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre and opened its doors to the public on Friday 2 January. Since then, there has already been strong interest from residents keen to make use of the new facilities and take part in a wide range of activities.
The official opening event saw Rebecca joined by Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects Councillor Andy Smith, Council Leader Councillor Doug Pullen, Chairman Councillor Keith Vernon, fellow councillors, and representatives from local sports and community groups. Representatives from The ReCreation Group and contractors Stepnell were also in attendance. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As part of the celebrations, residents were invited to take part in free activity sessions during the afternoon, giving them a taste of what the new leisure centre has to offer.
Speaking at the event, Rebecca Adlington said she had loved seeing the project progress from the very beginning.
Opening the new Leisure 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 and help build confidence, safety and a lifelong love of being active. – Rebecca Adlington OBE
Councillor Andy Smith, Deputy Leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects, said the new centre was something the whole district could be proud of.
We know how important quality sports facilities are to residents, and this first-class development will help people of all ages enhance their health, fitness and wellbeing. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ReCreation, Stepnell, The Friends of Friary Grange, local sport user groups and the council’s project team for their contribution and input. – Councillor Andy Smith, Deputy Leader of Lichfield District Council and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects
Local groups also welcomed the opening. Caroline Fellows from The Friends of Friary Grange said the investment showed a real commitment to the people of Lichfield, creating a welcoming space that supports both physical and mental wellbeing for the whole community.
The new Lichfield Leisure Centre is now open and offering a wide range of membership options. More information can be found at www.activelichfield.co.uk/venues-2/stychbrookpark
