Double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE has praised the transformation taking shape in Lichfield, as the district’s brand-new, state-of-the-art leisure centre celebrated a major construction milestone with a special ‘topping out’ ceremony.
Returning to Lichfield on Wednesday 4 June, Rebecca joined civic leaders, project partners and local organisations at Stychbrook Park, where the main structure of the new £11.3 million facility is now complete. Due to open its doors in December 2025, the new centre is set to become a flagship destination for sport, health and wellbeing in the region.
Once complete, the leisure centre will feature a 25-metre swimming pool, an 80-station gym, modern spin and dance studios, a community room, and an outdoor 3G pitch with new changing facilities replacing the ageing Friary Grange Sports Centre with a truly 21st-century alternative.
As founder of ReCreation, the specialist leisure consultancy which has led the development of the leisure centre, Rebecca Adlington marked her second visit to the site, having taken part in the groundbreaking ceremony last autumn. During the event, she toured the progress to date, signed one of the final beams alongside civic and project leaders, and spoke with representatives from local sports clubs, community organisations and council members.
Rebecca Adlington OBE said:
“I’m excited to see the new Lichfield leisure centre coming to life. Having access to modern swimming facilities is so important for inspiring the next generation of swimmers and creating opportunities for local communities to develop healthy habits and lifelong, active skills.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team at ReCreation, who have developed a wonderful facility to maximise the investment from Lichfield District Council, ultimately providing vital facilities, giving children the opportunity to learn, improve, and develop a love for swimming.
“Spaces like the new Lichfield leisure centre at Stychbrook Park can truly transform lives and promote healthy, active lifestyles.”
Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, added:
“Today isn’t just about the concrete and steel – it’s a celebration of how far we have come as a community in creating a leisure centre we can all be proud of. Thank you to all those who have made this possible.”
Adrian Turner, founder and Director of Client Success at ReCreation, said:
“ReCreation are delighted to celebrate this major milestone with our client Lichfield District Council. The development is progressing superbly and remains on track as on-time and on-budget.
“As dedicated Development Partner, we are proud to be bringing this outstanding new centre to life - and offer exceptional facilities designed to inspire and support community health and wellbeing for many years to come.”
Tom Wakeford, Managing Director of Stepnell, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be delivering the Lichfield leisure centre. It's fantastic to see the vision for this state-of-the-art facility truly coming together.
“Our team has worked diligently to ensure the project progresses well, and we’re excited for the community to benefit from this fantastic new centre.”
Constructed by Stepnell and backed by strong support within the council, the new leisure centre represents a major step in Lichfield District’s commitment to expanding access to sport, improving health outcomes, and investing in the future of its growing community in its 2050 strategy.