Lichfield District Council worked on a project to transform Stychbrook Park into a new multi-functional leisure facility. This new leisure centre represents a major step in Lichfield District’s commitment to expanding access to sport, improving health outcomes, and investing in the future of its growing community in its 2050 strategy.
Stepnell was the selected contractor for the construction of this development. Works started in September 2024 and the all new facility opened to the public in early January 2026.
The start of this exciting project was celebrated with former Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Adlington OBE, who joined Councillor Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, alongside representatives from local swimming clubs and community organisations at a ground-breaking event at Stychbrook Park in September 2024.
As an Olympic gold medal winner for freestyle swimming Rebecca is uniquely positioned to understand the importance of community leisure facilities and her company ReCreation have been instrumental in helping Lichfield District Council to design the facilities to ensure they meet the needs of local residents.
Rebecca Adlington returned to Lichfield in June this year to celebrate a major construction milestone with a special ‘topping out’ ceremony, and was joined by civic leaders, project partners and local organisations at Stychbrook Park, to see the main structure of the new leisure centre complete.
During the event, there was a tour of the site, Rebecca signed one of the final beams and spoke with representatives from local sports clubs, community organisations and council members.
“I am excited to see the new Lichfield leisure centre coming to life. Having access to modern swimming facilities is so important for inspiring the next generation of swimmers and creating opportunities for local communities to develop healthy habits and lifelong, active skills.
I’m incredibly proud of the team at ReCreation, who have developed a wonderful facility to maximise the investment from Lichfield District Council, ultimately providing vital facilities , giving children the opportunity to learn, improve, and develop a love for swimming.
Spaces like the new Lichfield leisure centre at Stychbrook Park can truly transform lives and promote healthy, active lifestyles”
Rebecca Adlington OBE
We needed to replace the ageing Friary Grange Leisure Centre and give residents a safe, exciting community facility. Although significant repairs have been carried out the building was nearing the end of its useful life.
This new leisure centre is vitally important to the future of the city and the district and represents so much more than just a building. We know that exercise and keeping fit is of importance to keep health at all ages, and we are committed to investing in leisure activities for all age groups. We hope that this new facility, alongside Burntwood Leisure Centre, will become a focal point for helping increase participation in leisure and sport across our district.
The new leisure centre facilities include:
As part of the design process we considered the latest lighting technologies to minimise potential light pollution, highway experts worked with us to resolve any traffic challenge and biodiversity experts have helped us to ensure that the areas surrounding the facility are enhanced for our wildlife and vegetation.
