New contractor dives in to rescue £24m leisure centre rebuild

Speller Metcalfe has been named the preferred contractor for a £24m leisure centre rebuild in Cradley Heath after the project was left in limbo by ISG’s collapse.

Sandwell Council is set to approve revised plans for Haden Hill Leisure Centre, originally set for partial refurbishment before ISG recommended a full rebuild.

ISG’s administration in September 2024 stalled the scheme, but with no work yet started, the council said the project remained recoverable.

Features of the new facility will include a six-lane swimming pool, a learner swimming pool, changing and storage facilities, a sports hall with four courts, a gym, an indoor cycling studio, two dance studios and a café.

Developer Alliance Leisure has selected Worcestershire-based Speller Metcalfe as ISG’s replacement, which has joined the design team and submitted a revised planning application.

Construction is expected to begin in November 2025, with completion targeted for May 2027.