THE BRAND new £7.7million Northfield Leisure Centre officially opens to the public on Monday, May 14.
And today we at The Bromsgrove Standard went for a look around the new centre on the corner of Bristol Road South and Great Stone Road.
Downstairs there is the reception, 25-metre adult pool, learner pool and extensive ‘village style’ communal changing area with lockers, cubicles, family changing area and group-changing rooms.
There is also an Aqua Run’Total Wipeout-style’ inflatable assault course which, unlike many others which go from one end of the pool to the other, goes around the pool, providing a longer length for youngsters to test themselves on. That will be available every Saturday afternoon.
Upstairs there is a 75-station gym, featuring treadmills, bikes, rowing machines and X-trainers.
There are also weight machines and free weights, meaning there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability.
But what about the ICE young people’s gym that the previous one had? The weight machines can be used by 14 and 15-year-olds (accompanied) and 16-year-olds and over unaccompanied.
A new state-of-the-art Boditrax machine which is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), can also be used by people to assess themselves. By entering age details, standing on it and holding the handles, it can tell users their ‘metabolic age’, water content, bone mass, body fat percentage and parts of the body where the fat is the worst. They can then use it on a regular basis to assess their progress.
The large fitness studio will house up to 50 classes-a-week, including Spin, Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Attack, yoga and a host of others. It can also be used to hold other community events, children’s holiday play activities and birthday parties.
Birmingham Community Leisure Trust (BCLT), working in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Sport England, has overseen the project and will manage the new centre once it opens its doors.
BCLT Chairman Brian Taylor said: “With the opening of this major new leisure venue in Northfield we warmly invite everyone who lives and works in this part of the city to come and enjoy the modern, high quality facilities available here.
“Whether you are a budding athlete with eyes on future Commonwealth Games or simply looking for a fitter, healthier life through swimming or visiting the gym, the opportunity is waiting for you at Northfield Leisure Centre.
“Our great team based here every day will be happy to show you around and answer your questions about activities, classes and membership options.”
Jamie Bryant, partnership director for BCLT, has overseen the project as the building took shape over recent months.
He said: “Although this is the third new facility we have completed in Birmingham, each project is an individual challenge and we are pleased to have worked successfully again with all our partners to bring the plans to fruition.
“As a ‘nod’ to the old swimming pool building, which served residents of south Birmingham since 1937, we have incorporated some of the old stones in the construction of the new centre.
“There will also be a display of photographs from the old pool in the foyer. Northfield Leisure Centre will have a workforce of around 50 staff members, including 30 new jobs, in a range of roles, such as activity instructors, maintenance and reception staff.”
Visit www.birminghamleisure.com for more information on the centre and prices.
