WYRE Forest District Council has been awarded £2 million from Sport England towards a new leisure centre.

The National Lottery Funding means there will be more facilities at the centre and save tax payers and the council more money.

Councillor Marcus Hart, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from Sport England. The new leisure centre is one of our major projects and will bring first class leisure and sports facilities to the district in a modern, energy efficient building.

“It’s also about savings and the £2 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England will mean more year on year savings as well as better facilities. It’s excellent news for the district.”

The Council successfully applied for the money from the Strategic Facilities Fund. Sport England praised the project and its aim to provide a new, high quality leisure centre which is sustainable for the Council while also making savings.

Charles Johnston, Sport England property director, said: “The right facilities in the right area are fundamental in providing more people with the opportunity to play sport.

“We have worked closely with Wyre Forest District Council to help them develop a comprehensive facilities strategy to ensure sustainable opportunities for the local community to take part in sport, and improve their health and wellbeing.”

Outline planning permission for the leisure centre at Silverwoods, the former British Sugar Site, on the Kidderminster to Stourport Road was granted in April. The council has selected Places for People Leisure (PfP) as its preferred contractor for the design, build, operate and maintain contract which will be for a 25 year period.

The leisure centre will have a sports hall, six lane 25m swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, dance studios, climbing wall and small-sided outdoor football pitches. The centre will also have a cafe with viewing areas, a double height children’s adventure play area and a wet health suite with sauna and steam room.

Peter Kirkham, PfP’s development director, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this high profile contract and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the council.

“The new leisure centre will be fantastic facility and we are excited to be part of the plan to improve what’s on offer for local residents.”

Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier, said: "Wyre Forest has benefitted a great deal from Sport England since the 2012 Olympics, continuing the legacy of the games.

"The new leisure centre presents incredible opportunity for everyone from aspiring sportsman and women, to people making new goals about their health and well-being. Importantly, it provides much needed fitness and sports facilities at an affordable rate for local taxpayers.

"This is an announcement that really does make a huge difference - state of the art facilities at an affordable cost to local residents. Wyre Forest District Council have done a terrific job."

Work on the new leisure centre is planned to start in Spring 2015 and it is due to open in Summer 2016. Details are available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/leisurecentres