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Residents can see what Lichfield District’s new £10 million leisure centre at Stychbrook Park is set to look like with the release of a special set of computer-generated images.
The pictures give a sense of the scale and positioning of the facility, how it will be accessed and of its features including parking and a children’s play area.
Their release comes following the submission and validation of a planning application for the leisure centre which is being designed by ReCreation, a company founded by British Olympians.
The much-needed modern facility will replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre on Eastern Avenue, which is run down and despite repairs, is nearing the end of its life.
Situated at Stychbrook Park, where Eastern Avenue meets Curborough Road, it will feature a new 25metre, 6 lane variable depth swimming pool to include poolside seating and changing, and 80 station fitness gym with assessment room and equipment store, a Spin studio, a dance studio, reception, community room, external 3G pitch and new outdoor changing rooms.
ReCreation utilises a unique above-ground swimming pool design which is more affordable than the traditional construction method requiring excavation and the company has been asked to design a pool with variable depth.
Consultation has been taking place over the summer on the design proposals which will see the latest lighting technology considered to minimise light pollution, highways experts resolving traffic challenges and biodiversity experts ensuring that the environment around the new facility is enhanced.
Councillor Andy Smith, Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, said:
“We know how important good leisure facilities are to the district’s residents and our officers are forging ahead with delivering the new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park.
“We are pleased to share these new images which show how the leisure centre is set to look and acknowledge the submission of the planning application which is an important milestone in the delivery of the project.”
More information about the Stychbrook Park Leisure Development is available on the Active Lichfield website.
Active Lichfield’s Walking Football team is celebrating after winning the national championships.
The Burntwood Strollers competed in the 2023 Over 65 Walking Football National Cup Finals on Sunday, 17 September, following a series of matches which culminated in victory over Winstanley at the David Ross Sports Centre in Nottingham.
The team was among 73 involved in the National Cup event and one of just eight regional winners to reach the final. After playing teams from across the country the ‘Strollers’ are delighted with their win.
Walking Football is an inclusive and recreational activity for people of all ages and abilities. The rules are the same as regular football except that it is played at a walking pace and can help bring older players, and people with mobility injuries, back to a sport they once enjoyed.
The Burntwood Strollers evolved from walking football sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays at Burntwood Leisure Centre.
Tasmin Turner, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Lichfield District Council, said: “The Burntwood Strollers success in the national finals is an outstanding achievement and I’m very pleased for the team.
“We are so proud of the players and their coach, Kieran, who puts a lot into the delivery of the sessions.
“Delivered by Active Lichfield, which promotes activities across Lichfield District, in partnership with Midlands Soccer Academy, the Active Lichfield Walking Football sessions have been running for the past decade.
“Initially they attracted only four of five participants, but then really took off and as many as 30 people now come along to each of the two sessions we deliver each week.”
For more information about Walking Football please visit www.activelichfield.co.uk/wellbeing-activities/wellbeingburntwood/
Don’t miss an opportunity for all the family to try their hands at a new sport or activity when Lichfield Community Games returns to the city in September.
The event in Beacon Park on Saturday 16 September and Sunday 17 September from 12noon to 5pm, will feature 30 different activities delivered by local providers and clubs.
From Rugby Tots to cheerleading and netball to body combat there is so much to experience, and children can collect a sticker for each activity they try which earns them their very own free medal to take away at the end.
The Community Games brings families and local sports clubs together in a friendly, safe, setting to encourage people to anticipate regardless of age or ability.
Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Major Projects, Councillor Andy Smith, said: “The Community Games is a brilliant two-day community event which proves popular every year.
“Giving people the chance to try something new, it may open the door to a new interest, and I hope many will come along and join in the fun.”
Community Games founder, Dennis Kennedy, said: “This will be our fifth Community Games in the Lichfield and we can’t wait.
“It’s fantastic to see people inspired by trying something new. It’s what the games are all about and I’d like to thank Lichfield District Council and all the activity providers that are supporting it.”
Lichfield Community Games is being delivered by Inspire Activity in partnership with Active Lichfield, Aspire Active Camps, Central Co-operative, BMet, Palletways, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, RotoSpa, Burley Browne Chartered Surveyors and Cathedral Mobility Services.
Tickets for the event, at £6, can be pre-booked online up until Friday 15 September or pay £7 on the day of attendance. The fee covers all of the activities at the event. To book tickets visit www.trybooking.co.uk/CESW