Lichfield Leisure Centre has been officially opened today by one of Great Britain’s greatest ever swimmers, double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE.
Rebecca, co-founder of The ReCreation Group which developed the state-of-the-art facility, was welcomed to Lichfield for the celebrations and given a guided tour.
Located on Curborough Road, the leisure centre has been delivered for residents by Lichfield District Council and has been designed to the highest standards featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, 3G sports pitches, dance studio, spin studio, community room, and an outdoor play area.
Replacing the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre its doors opened to the public last Friday (2 January) and there has already been strong interest from residents’ keen to make use of the new facilities.
Earlier today Rebecca joined Lichfield District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects Councillor Andy Smith, Leader Cllr Doug Pullen, Chairman Cllr Keith Vernon, their fellow councillors and members of local sports and community groups for the event which culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Also included were representatives of The ReCreation Group and contractors Stepnell.
As part of the celebration residents are taking part in free activity sessions this afternoon to give them a taste of what Lichfield Leisure Centre has to offer.
Rebecca Adlington said:
“Sharing the key milestones of this project and watching the development of Lichfield Leisure Centre from the first spade in the ground to the first swimmers in the water has been a joy!
“Opening the new Leisure Centre is a wonderful reminder of how powerful community spaces can be. Learning to swim changed my life, and I believe every child and adult deserves the same opportunity. Facilities like this make swimming accessible to everyone, helping build confidence, safety, and a lifelong love of being active.”
Councillor Andy Smith said: “We know how important quality sports facilities are to residents in Lichfield District and so we are very proud of the leisure centre that we have been able to deliver.
“It’s a first-class development of a contemporary design which will help people of all ages enhance their health, fitness and wellbeing.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank ReCreation, Stepnell, The Friends of Friary Grange, local sport user groups and the council’s project team for their contribution and input.
“Thanks also to local residents for their patience and understanding while the leisure centre was constructed.”
Caroline Fellows of The Friends of Friary Grange which backed the new leisure centre said:
“It is wonderful that Lichfield District Council has invested in the people of Lichfield and fostered community spirit along with mental and physical wellbeing.
“I am thrilled that they listened to the people of Lichfield and responded to our request to keep a leisure centre in Lichfield.
“They have made a wonderful, welcoming building for everybody in the community.”
Adrian Turner of The ReCreation Group said:
“Our partnership with Lichfield District Council has been built on a shared belief in the power of accessible, high-quality leisure for everyone. Reflective of the Olympic-level leadership and national ambition to provide communities with the pools and facilities they deserve, the new Lichfield Leisure Centre is our latest example of this commitment in action.
“The new centre represents more than a building — it’s an investment in wellbeing, connection, and opportunity for the entire community. We’re proud to support a space that will inspire people of all ages to be active, engaged, and confident for many years to come.”
For information about all the membership options at Lichfield Leisure Centre visit the Active Lichfield website.