Sandwell Aquatics Centres appoints Wates as contractor

Construction of the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, the West Midlands, has been awarded to the contractor company Wates Construction at a cost of £73M with the addition of the development to the local community expected to have its benefits on people’s health.

Specifically, the Sandwell Aquatics Centre is set to feature a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 25m diving pool, a community swimming pool, seats for up to 1,000 spectators, three activity studios, two four-court sports halls, a 108-station fitness suite with a 25-station ladies-only gym, dry diving facilities, an indoor cycling studio, a new football pitch, a café, and lastly changing facilities with include a sauna and steam room.

The Regional Managing Director for Wates Construction Midlands, John Carlin stated: “Here in the West Midlands we are currently experiencing a tremendous renaissance in our local infrastructure. This project, and the wider regeneration of the borough of Sandwell, will create a lasting legacy for local residents and put Sandwell on the map for its world-class facility.

“Every project we deliver has the community at its heart and we are looking forward to working alongside our partners to ensure this project provides significant economic and social value from the outset. The result will be a landmark facility that will be transformational for this borough.

“We are pleased to sign the formal contract confirming our position as main contractor and now have two years of a challenging but hugely exciting build ahead of us.”

Wates Construction are also currently working on the delivery of a £32.8M leisure centre in Braywick, Berkshire, thus contributing their appointment onto this project.

A Cabinet Member for Sandwell Council, Councillor Maria Crompton added: “We are excited that the main building work on this landmark leisure centre has started. The aquatics centre will give us an international-standard venue for the local community, replacing ageing leisure facilities with a modern hub designed to promote health and wellbeing across the district.”

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