Sandwell Aquatics Centre

The new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick includes a 50m Olympic-sized swimming pool as well as a 25m diving pool, community swimming pool and seats for up to 1,000 spectators. It will be used to host one of the largest international sporting events, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Other facilities at the aquatics centre will include three activity studios, two 4-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 changing facilities including a sauna/steam room. Externally, a new urban park will feature a children’s play area.

Billington Structures is providing over 1,900 tonnes of structural steel for the project, including 14 roof trusses. Work on the £73 million project is set to be completed in spring 2022. The building will be officially open for use by the public in May 2023.

The objective is to create a lasting legacy for the local community and turn the Aquatics Centre into a vibrant sports hub. This includes removing spectator seating after the Commonwealth Games and introducing additional leisure facility to better serve the community and remain inclusive.

It will provide aspiring swimmers and divers with a dedicated centre of excellence where they can train for future competitions without needing to travel long distances.

Sustainability was an important part of the project as the Sandwell Aquatics Centre incorporates a solar-powered hot water system that is designed to save energy on an ongoing basis. Another feature was that during construction the local environment was enriched to increase biodiversity. After completion the site will be transformed into a greener space that will have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

A number of organisations worked closely to make this project a success. This included partnerships with Think Sandwell, Sandwell College, and local schools. The Sandwell Aquatic Centre will act as a catalyst for regeneration in the area and leave a positive and lasting impact on the people and the community.

More information about the project, including a video, is available from Wates Construction Ltd.

https://vimeo.com/467372467/13eccf1c5d