Sport and recreation moves to the next level as new Northfield Leisure Centre opens to public
Birmingham residents in the south of the city will be matching communities across the city as their impressive new sports and recreation centre opens today (14 May).
Northfield’s new Leisure Centre, still located on the corner of Bristol Road South and Great Stone Road, has the potential to transform the leisure and fitness experience of the whole community with a fresh, modern exercise and recreation venue. It features a 25-metre swimming pool, a teaching pool, a 75-station gym and a community room/studio space. A wide range of fitness classes as well as children’s holiday play activities and birthday parties will also be available.
The £7.7million replacement of Northfield’s pool and fitness centre is part of a city-wide investment of nearly £40million by Birmingham City Council and is the third brand new complex to be completed.
Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Sport England, has overseen the project and will manage the new centre once it opens its doors.
BCLT Chair, Brian Taylor, said: “With the opening of this major new leisure venue in Northfield we warmly invite everyone who lives and works in this part of the city to come and enjoy the modern, high quality facilities available here. Whether you are a budding athlete with eyes on future Commonwealth Games or simply looking for a fitter, healthier life through swimming or visiting the gym, the opportunity is waiting for you at Northfield Leisure Centre.
“Our great team based here every day will be happy to show you around and answer your questions about activities, classes and membership options.”
Jamie Bryant, Partnership Director for BCLT, has overseen the project as the building took shape over recent months. He said: “Although this is the third new facility we have completed in Birmingham, each project is an individual challenge and we are pleased to have worked successfully again with all our partners to bring the plans to fruition.
“As a ‘nod’ to the old swimming pool building, which served residents of south Birmingham since 1937, we have incorporated some of the old stones in the construction of the new centre. There will also be a display of photographs from the old pool in the foyer. Northfield Leisure Centre will have a workforce of around 50 staff members, including 30 new jobs, in a range of roles, such as activity instructors, maintenance and reception staff.”
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We make much of the city’s ability to host world-class sporting events, not least the Commonwealth Games in 2022 – but our approach to sport and leisure is to ensure just as much importance is placed on community facilities and grassroots participation.
“By delivering great projects, such as Northfield Leisure Centre, we are very clearly demonstrating the commitment we have to sport and healthy lifestyles for all. I am sure the new facility will be warmly welcomed by citizens across south Birmingham and become one of the focal points of community life in that area of the city.”
Construction of replacement leisure centres at Stechford and Northfield sites in the east and south of the city is also complete with the centres up and running. A fourth centre at a new site at Icknield Port Loop in Edgbaston will be built and managed by BCLT. The Trust has also delivered a programme of refurbishments to Fox Hollies Leisure Centre; Cocks Moors Woods Leisure Centre; Beeches Leisure Centre and Wyndley Leisure Centre.
ISG Construction plc has undertaken the construction of the new leisure centres at Erdington, Stechford and Northfield to designs by Calderpeel Architects.
Northfield Leisure Centre is located on Bristol Road South, Northfield, Birmingham B31 2PD. For more information including opening times visit www.birminghamleisure.com and view New Centres.
