THE contract to build and run a new multi-million pound leisure centre has been awarded to the company which currently runs the current three facilities in the Wyre Forest.

Places for People, the new name for DC Leisure which runs Wyre Forest Glades, Stourport Sports Centre, and Bewdley Leisure Centre, will take charge of the development at the former British Sugar Site at Silverwoods.

The terms of the 25-year contract granted to the Wyre Forest District Council's leisure management contractor will see Places for People design, build, operate and maintain the centre, which is due to open in 2016.

Peter Kirkham, development director at Places for People Leisure, said they were pleased to be able to continue working with the council.

“We are delighted to have been awarded this high profile contract and are looking forward to continuing our work with Wyre Forest District Council," he said. "The new leisure centre will be a fantastic facility and we are excited to be bringing more high quality leisure facilities to the people of Kidderminster. As well as laying the foundations for sporting activity with a new venue, we will be actively working with the local community to increase participation.”

Work on the new facility is due to begin in spring 2015 in preparation for a summer 2016 opening. The centre will include a sports hall, 25 metre swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, dance studios, climbing wall and outdoor small-sided football pitches. The centre will also have a café with viewing facilities, a children’s play area and a wet health suite equipped with sauna and steam room.

Councillor Marcus Hart, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, added: “The new leisure centre is one of our major projects and will bring first class leisure facilities to the district in a modern, energy efficient building. We are delighted to be able to continue our partnership with Places for People Leisure.”

Places for People, under the former name DC Leisure, will continue to run Forest Glades and Stourport Sports Centre which will stay open until the new centre is completed.

The development follows a £2 million award of National Lottery funding from Sport England towards the construction of a new leisure centre for the district.

Property director from Sport England, Charles Johnston, said: “The right facilities in the right area are fundamental in providing more people with the opportunity to play sport. The new facility at Wyre Forest will provide a sustainable opportunity for the local community to take part in sport, and improve their health and wellbeing.”

For more information about the company or the current three Wyre Forest leisure centres, visit placesforpeopleleisure.org.