A newly built £11m leisure centre in West Bromwich has officially opened to the public, after local MP Tom Watson cut the ribbon last week.

The new facility is designed, built and managed by Places for People Leisure and its construction partner Pellikaan, on behalf of Sandwell Borough Council. It includes a 25m (82ft) pool with a learner pool, sauna and steamroom, four-court sports hall, a 100-station fitness suite, two dance studios/activity rooms, an indoor children’s adventure play centre and cafe.

Local school children were the first to try out the new pool as West Bromwich MP Tom Watson declared the centre open, after just under 18 months of construction.

“This is a fantastic resource for the people of Sandwell. The new pool and leisure centre for West Bromwich is a promise delivered,” said Watson.

“West Bromwich is now a place you can be proud to live, learn, shop and enjoy your leisure time in.”