AN INDOOR climbing wall at the new Bromsgrove Leisure Centre will prove a "valuable addition" to the area and boost tourism, councillors have said.

Bromsgrove District Council chair councillor Helen Jones was among those who joined The Advertiser on a sneak preview of work at the new £13.7 million facility on School Drive on Tuesday, August 22.

A 25 metre main swimming pool with six lanes, a second 15m x 10m pool with a moveable floor, three dance studios, and a 100-station gym are among the highlights at the development.

But the district's first indoor climbing wall - a dominant feature visible from the Stratford Road - will be one of the biggest assets to Bromsgrove, cllr Jones said.

The facility is hoped to be a major attraction for children and younger visitors, offering 15 climbing points and providing the perfect 'introduction to climbing'.

Councillor Jones said: "I am over the moon with the climbing wall and the space for it.

"It is going to be such a valuable addition for the Bromsgrove area and for the youth.

"There is nothing like this in the area as the nearest one is in Worcester.

"The leisure centre is fabulous and it is a credit to all the hard work that has gone into it. I have really high hopes for when it opens.

"I think people will be surprised when it opens."

The leisure centre, which will be operated by Everyone Active, has features including disabled access to facilities and seven independent control heating rooms.

It will also include a spin studio with four large screens, a 450 sq metres main studio housing up to 100 pieces of kit including resistance machines, weights, bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, and rowing machines.

Also at the site will be three dance studios, including two which can be separated and joined to accommodate either two groups of 30 or one larger group of 60.

The site will also include a jacuzzi, sauna, aromatherapy room, and a steam room, and will be fitted with LED lights and mosaic tiles which change colour.

Bromsgrove District Council's portfolio holder for leisure councillor Peter Whittaker added: "I have seen it in various stages to where we are now and I have been very impressed with the way the contractors have worked.

"It is on schedule and I think the the public of Bromsgrove will be pleased that we have invested well in a leisure centre for Bromsgrove.

"With the addition of a climbing wall, dance studios and two pools, I think there will be something for everyone, especially as we have one big pool and a small pool which can be used for teaching people to swim, and for different classes for different age groups.

"The range of facilities I think will be a very big offer."

The new centre is currently being built on School Drive in Bromsgrove by contractors Morgan Sindall and will open in the autumn.