Lichfield Celebrates Official Opening of State-of-the-Art Leisure Centre
Lichfield marked a major milestone for community sport, health and wellbeing on 9 January 2026 with the official opening of the new Lichfield Leisure Centre at Stychbrook Park — a long-anticipated facility designed to transform local recreation and fitness opportunities.
Delivered by Lichfield District Council in partnership with specialist developers The ReCreation Group and delivered on site by contractor Stepnell, the centre represents a significant investment in the future of community health in the district. With strong demand from residents and local clubs, the modern facility replaces the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre, opening to the public on 2nd January ahead of the ribbon-cutting celebration.
The centre’s facility mix reflects the diverse needs of people of all ages and abilities. Anchored by a 25-metre swimming pool, the complex also includes a spacious gym, an 80-station fitness suite, dedicated spin and dance studios, a community room, and an outdoor 3G sports pitch with upgraded changing facilities. An outdoor play area and programme of classes and activities further enhance the venue’s appeal as a true community hub.
From the earliest planning stages — including planning approval in 2024 and a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony in autumn 2024 — through to the topping-out of the main structure in June 2025, the project unfolded through a series of key milestones. Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington OBE, co-founder of The ReCreation Group, played a visible role from the outset, attending both the groundbreaking and structural celebration, and helping to champion the scheme’s community-focused vision throughout construction.
Built at an overall investment of approximately £11.3 million, the leisure centre project came in on budget and has been widely welcomed by local residents and stakeholders. The council’s commitment reflects a broader strategic priority to expand access to sport and improve health outcomes across the district.
The official opening event was attended by several key leaders, including Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, Councillor Andy Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Leisure and Major Projects, Councillor Keith Vernon, Chairman of the Council, and representatives from local sports clubs and community groups. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort behind this major civic development.
In her opening speech, Rebecca Adlington OBE highlighted both her personal connection to swimming and the centre’s broader community importance:
“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.”
Council Leader Councillor Doug Pullen praised the culmination of years of planning and community engagement:
“This fantastic new facility shows what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision for health, wellbeing and opportunity. We’re proud to deliver a centre that will benefit residents for generations to come.”
With its wide range of facilities and community offerings, Lichfield Leisure Centre is already attracting strong interest from residents and local groups — and promises to be a cornerstone of active life in the district for years ahead.
ReCreation are incredibly proud of the role we have played in this development. We are passionate about ensuring Local Authorities can maximise their budgets without compromising on the outcomes or quality of the provision offered. This is an excellent example of what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation with the health of the community front and centre.