There’s still time for you to have your say on the design of Sandwell’s aquatic centre.

Through a public survey and drop-in sessions, Sandwell Council is seeking the views of local people who can help shape the £60m building, which is due to be built in Smethwick in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

You can view the plans here.

Alongside swimming facilities, the centre will boast a dry-dive facility, 108-station gym, a 25-station women-only gym, three activity studios, an eight-court sports hall, indoor cycling studio, a sauna/steam room and café.

Excitingly for Sandwell, the centre will host the swimming and diving competitions for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Plans include a 50m Olympic-sized competition swimming pool, a 25m diving pool, a studio pool and 1,000 spectator seats, plus temporary seats to accommodate the Games.

The site, at Londonderry Playing Fields, will also include 450 on-site car parking spaces, a football pitch and changing facilities, and an improved urban park and children’s play area.

Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Steve Eling, has urged residents to take the time to put forward their views on the new design and facility mix.

He said: “Last month we revealed the proposed designs for the new world-class aquatics centre in Smethwick.

“Residents can now have their say on the building’s design and mix of facilities, either by filling in the online survey or going along to one of our drop-in sessions in Smethwick.

“The new centre will also provide Sandwell with the exciting opportunity to host international events as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Councillor Bill Gavan, cabinet member for leisure and Commonwealth Games said: “The pre-planning consultation gives residents the opportunity to give feedback on the design and facility mix which will support the formal planning application.

“The centre will give us a great legacy for Sandwell beyond the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and we want people to be involved in its design.”

The council has organised consultation sessions for residents to come along and discuss proposals ahead of a planning application being put forward.

The drop-in sessions will be held on:

Tuesday 8 January: 5pm-8pm at St Mark’s Church, Thimblemill Road
Thursday 10 January: 9am-5pm at St Mark’s Church, Thimblemill Road
Tuesday 15 January: 4-6pm at Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road
Friday 18 January: 10am–2pm at Dorothy Parkes Centre, Church Road.

The pre-planning consultation closes on Sunday 20 January.

Here at Think Sandwell we’re working hard to make sure business opportunities stemming from the build will be accessible to local companies. We’ll keep you updated.