Olympian breaks ground at new leisure centre

Rebecca Adlington joined representatives from Lichfield District Council and local groups at the event on Thursday

Olympian and BBC sports pundit Rebecca Adlington has attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new leisure centre in Staffordshire.

The facility at Stychbrook Park in Lichfield is due to be completed in 2025, Lichfield District Council said.

Ms Adlington is Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympic swimmer, and was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2018.

The council said construction of the new facility, a replacement for Friary Grange Leisure Centre, would begin shortly.

Ms Adlington was joined at the ceremony by council leader Doug Pullen as well as representatives from local swimming clubs.

At the event, she spoke about the role of physical activity in all stages of life.

“I’m thrilled that my company, ReCreation, has played a key role in this incredible development,” she said.

“We’ve worked hard with council officers to ensure that this new leisure centre will be relevant and accessible to everyone in today’s society, providing a space that promotes health, wellbeing, and community.”

Mr Pullen said he was delighted that the long-awaited project was now underway.

“This project has been shaped by the community since the very beginning - I’m confident it will serve our district well for many years to come,” he said.