ISG has started work on a new leisure centre project in Dudley with Alliance Leisure, to deliver a £18.2m hub for Dudley Council in the heart of the town centre.
Working in partnership with Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, the council will create a vibrant modern hub for residents and workers to enjoy a range of physical activities.
Facilities at the Dudley leisure hub will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool; a teaching pool with spectator provision; sauna; a four-court sports hall; a 100 station fitness suite; two group exercise studios; an immersive cycle studio; a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room; a café; a sauna and a power assisted exercise studio.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Dudley.
“Our residents deserve and need a top-class leisure centre and I’m really pleased that work is progressing.
“We truly are regenerating Dudley, the demolition of Cavendish House is complete and we have great ambitions for our borough. It’s our time to build, connect and grow.”
Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, added: “This is one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in years and I am delighted to be able to be pressing ahead with this flagship project, despite the current climate.
“This is one significant step on a major regeneration programme which will transform Dudley for generations to come.”
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “Because this is a brand-new facility, we can design an environment that perfectly reflects the needs of the community.
“Incorporating the soft play area and power assisted exercise studio will extend appeal to a much wider audience, creating an inclusive provision that can be enjoyed by all.”
Daniel Leigh, project manager at ISG, is responsible for the company’s Alliance Leisure contracts. He said: “The key role regular exercise plays in our physical and mental health wellbeing has been laid bare during the lockdown period, so the creation of modern, and tailored leisure infrastructure to support our communities has never been more important.
“Our continued partnership with Alliance Leisure is responsible for transforming and revitalising many existing local authority leisure amenities to a standard that now rivals facilities in the private sector.
“The framework delivery model brings major efficiencies to the build process, encouraging early stakeholder collaboration and the development of innovative solutions to reduce project timescales and deliver best value.”
Works are due for completion in Autumn 2021. ISG has now completed over 25 projects with Alliance Leisure and many of these schemes have been delivered using the UK Leisure Framework (UKLF).
The UKLF is a development partner framework, owned by Denbighshire Council and managed by Denbighshire Leisure, which allows Local Authorities to engage with Alliance Leisure to develop their facilities from refurbishments to new builds.
According to the Barbour ABI report this month ISG achieved the second highest value of contract awards in June in the commercial and retail sector, 5th in terms of Hotels Leisure and Sport and 6th in terms of the Industrial Sector. FIS members can access the Barbour ABI Report here.