WORK is set to begin next week on the first stages of the new multi-million pound Dudley Leisure Centre.

Flood Street car park will be closed from Monday January 6 to allow for preparatory work to begin on the site, which will house the new centre when it is expected to open in 2021.

The work will include diverting some underground services and council chiefs have warned there may be some disruption to nearby roadways and footpaths, which will be kept to a minimum.

Town centre parking will still be available in Tower Street and Wolverhampton Street while the work on Flood Street is carried out.

The centre is set to include a 25 metre swimming pool, large state of the art gym, sports hall, flexible studio meeting spaces, spin studio and an onsite café.

Councillors approved a planning application in December, as part of a scheme that will also see refurbishments made to Halesowen Leisure Centre and the Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “The Dudley Leisure Centre proposals have now been through the full planning process and we’re looking forward to work beginning after the Christmas break.

“This fantastic new facility will enhance the town centre offer and play a part in Dudley’s regeneration.”

The existing Dudley Leisure Centre on Wellington Road will remain open throughout the development of the new site.