After successfully winning the bid against other Framework Contractors, work started on the project by Doocey Group in June 2019. Ready for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Excavating, Installing and reinstating 3125m of 11kv Single / Double Circuit from Causeway Green Road to Londonderry Road Boundary for the new Aquatic Centre, St. Johns Road and Birchfield PSS. All traffic management carried out by Doocey Group’s own Traffic Management company liaising with Highway Authorities throughout the scheme.

As the excitement builds around the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games it’s going to be fantastic for Smethwick as the new Aquatic Centre hosts the swimming and diving events benefiting the local economy and the eyes of the world will be on Sandwell.

The council was already looking to replace its aging swimming centres at Langley and Smethwick, which no longer meet the needs of users – and the Commonwealth Games has given Sandwell a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build an even better new state-of-the-art leisure centre to serve the local community for decades to come.

The new leisure facility will include as a minimum:

  • 50m olympic-sized competition swimming pool, studio pool and a 25m diving pool;
  • 1,000 spectator seats;
  • diving and swimming events for the Games in 2022;
  • three activity studios;
  • minimum 8-court sports hall;
  • 108-station gym;
  • 25-station ladies-only gym;
  • indoor cycling studio;
  • dry driving centre
  • sauna/steam room
  • new football pitch and changing facilities
  • new urban park and children’s play area; and a
  • café

The council will be submitting a planning application for the centre, which will include detailed consultation with local people.

The council will also ensure green space and play facilities are included in the plans for the site and will also work to provide adequate alternative spaces for any football pitches that may be lost at Londonderry.

The total £60 million cost of building the new centre would be met by various organisations involved in delivering the Commonwealth Games 2022, including the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Sandwell Council and Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.

The council’s Select Committee on Leisure Provision has done a lot of work and consultation on future leisure facilities for Sandwell. This public consultation shows that Langley and Smethwick centre users feel the current centres do not meet their needs and they want a new, modern facility.

Langley and Smethwick Swimming Centres will remain open until services transfer to the new centre. Cabinet has asked for a report and consultation on future uses of these buildings and will not make any decisions until that consultation is completed.

Sandwell Council has been working for a long time to improve swimming facilities across Sandwell, building new centres in Wednesbury, Tipton and West Bromwich over the past five years, plus Portway Lifestyle Centre, Oldbury, which includes a hydrotherapy pool.

The new centre in Smethwick will be run by Sandwell Leisure Trust (SLT).

You can find answers to frequently asked questions about the new Sandwell Aquatic Centre.