Headway big build event transforms community hub in Dudley

Partners behind the construction of a new leisure centre in Dudley came together to transform Headway Black Country’s community hub over the bank holiday weekend.

The centre on Martin Hill Street in Dudley provides support for those with acquired brain injuries and strokes, along with their carers and families. Its specialist brain injury rehabilitation service offers a wide range of activities designed to help brain injury survivors re-learn lost skills and gain new ones.

Contractor ISG, developer Alliance Leisure, Dudley Council and supply chain partners donated more than £40,000 worth of materials and labour to replace the kitchen, carry out full redecoration throughout, and transform the outside garden area with a new patio and rejuvenated planters.

Claire Dale, CEO of Headway Black Country, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support extended to us by everyone involved in this project and it has been fantastic to be able to welcome clients back to services with improved and updated facilities following the most recent lockdown. The impact of the work will continue to benefit clients, carers, families, staff and volunteers for a long time to come.”

The work was carried out as part of the commitment to give back to the community throughout the construction project.

Craig Johnson, project manager at ISG, said: “Headway Black Country is a vital support network for people across the Black Country with brain injuries. To be able to support them in such a measurable way was a privilege. The reaction of staff over the weekend was humbling, and a testament to the hard work everyone put in from supply chain partners, materials suppliers and volunteers from ISG, Alliance Leisure and Dudley Council.”

Materials and labour were kindly donated by Hannafin, TOL Decorators, Active Flooring, Griffiths Joinery, MJ Church, Jones Skip Hire, Hensall, WB Simpson & Sons, Broughton Plastering, Ground Control, Furness Partnership and Davies Cleaning Services.

Work started on the £18.2m leisure centre for Dudley Council last year, with developer Alliance Leisure appointing construction specialist ISG to carry out the work. The new centre will create a vibrant modern hub for residents and workers to enjoy a range of physical activities.

Julia Goddard, senior business development manager at Alliance Leisure, added: “The new Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre will be a fantastic facility for the local community and it’s great that we’ve been able to support other local services like the community hub.”

Facilities at the new centre will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool; a teaching pool with spectator provision; sauna; a four-court sports hall; a 100 station fitness suite; two group exercise studios; an immersive cycle studio; a soft play area with catering facilities and a party room; a café; a sauna and a power assisted exercise studio. Works are due for completion in Autumn 2021.