Independent inspectors have heaped praise on the contractors behind the building of a new £18 million leisure centre in Dudley.
ISG Construction scored full marks in four of the five categories – and dropped just one mark in the other - following the visit last month as part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
The report said the site in Flood Street was the best they had seen in the past 12 months. ISG said the site was now being used as a showcase of good practice, with other construction companies coming to Dudley to pick up tips and advice.
It comes as work continues at pace ahead of an anticipated opening early next year.
As part of the project – and in line with the council’s requirement for developers to invest in the borough – ISG has teamed up with Headway Black Country and undertaken a full near £40,000 refurbishment of its centre in Dudley. The charity assists people with brain injuries.
The works included a new kitchen, appliances, flooring and full redecoration of the building, as well as improvements to the external patio area including the installation of planters and waste removal.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:
"As someone who has been to the site a number of times over the past 12 months, it does not surprise me one bit that inspectors were bowled over when they visited.
"They have worked at speed but have not compromised on quality, and against the backdrop of a global pandemic with all the extra difficulties that brings.
"The end result very soon will be a new, impressive, state-of-the-art leisure centre we can all be proud of."
The new £18.2 million facility will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool with spectator provision. There will be a four-court sports hall suitable for indoor football, badminton and more.
The investment will also include a 100-station gym and fitness suite, two group exercise studios for a wide range of exercise classes and an immersive cycle studio.
For families with younger children there will be a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room, and a café open to all, whether they are using the centre or not. And for those who want to relax after their workout session there’s set to be a sauna.
There will also be power-assisted gym equipment for specialist support which may be particularly beneficial for those recovering from injury, older customers and those living with long-term health conditions.
The leisure centre new build is part of a £1 billion package of improvements for Dudley town centre which also includes the new Metro connection from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, which will pass through the town. Plans are also in place for a new bus and tram interchange and the former Cavendish House site will become a mixed retail, leisure and residential hub.