Frequently Asked Questions

As we receive questions about the proposed developments, we will provide responses via the Frequently Asked Questions section on this site.

Please submit your questions by email to: lichfieldleisuredevelopment@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Why are you building a new leisure centre – Why not keep Friary Grange leisure Centre?

We need to build a new sports facility because Friary Grange is over 50 years old. Although significant repairs have been carried out the building is nearing the end of its useful life.

In February 2021 we completed a programme of essential repairs at Friary Grange costing around £400,000 and hope this will help us to keep the doors open until a new leisure centre is built.

Why choose Stychbrook Park?

The reasons for choosing Stychbrook Park are set out on our proposals page.

Why not build the leisure centre on the derelict Birmingham Road site?

Some of the challenges with using that site such as its small size, and conservation area location are set out on the proposals page. The Lichfield City Centre Masterplan is being developed and will consider the best use for that site.

What will the new centre cost?

Based on our initial plans for the new leisure centre and the mix of facilities it will contain we estimate that cost will be around £12 million.

Who is paying for the new centre?

Lichfield District Council has set aside £5 million to fund the new leisure centre and is actively seeking funding from additional sources to secure the remaining funding required. In June 2021 we submitted a bid for £5 million from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and should hear whether that bid has been successful towards the end of 2021

When will the new centre be open?

We can’t say at this stage but we have been looking at Sports England models and know that a centre can take up to five years to build, depending on its location, scale and the funding needed to deliver it.

Will the outside pitch have floodlights?

The 3G football pitch will have floodlights. As part of the planning process we will consider the impact on houses surrounding the new leisure centre that may be affected.

Will the play area still be open?

The current play area in Stychbrook Park will remain in place

Will the outside pitch be fenced off?

The 3G football pitch at the new leisure centre will be fenced and floodlit.

Why is there no sports hall?

We have not included a sports hall in our design because there is a sports hall at Friary Grange School that used to be part of Friary Grange Leisure Centre and which remains open for public use.

Will building on Stychbrook Park have negative impacts?

Local concerns include the loss of green space, traffic issues on already busy roads and issues for neighbouring houses with potential noise pollution, light pollution and traffic congestion.

All of these aspects will be dealt with through the planning process, which includes consultation with local residents and statutory consultees; if the council determines that’s Stychbrook Park is suitable for development.