The Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre in Sandwell, West Midlands, was built in the early 1970s and named after Harry Mitchell, a local Labour politician who served as MP for Smethwick from 1945 to 1966. The centre was constructed on the site of a former Victorian-era workhouse, which operated from the mid-19th century until its closure in the 1930s.

During its time as a workhouse, the site housed hundreds of impoverished individuals and families, many of whom endured harsh conditions and suffered from illness and malnutrition. Numerous deaths occurred within the workhouse walls, particularly among the elderly and infirm.

Over the years, staff and visitors to the Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre have reported various paranormal occurrences. One of the most frequently mentioned phenomena is the sound of disembodied footsteps echoing through empty corridors, particularly in the early morning hours before the centre opens to the public.

Several employees have described encountering apparitions of Victorian-era figures, including a stern-looking matron in a long dress and a gaunt, elderly man in tattered clothing. These sightings often occur in the basement areas, which are believed to correspond with the original workhouse foundations.

Another common report involves unexplained cold spots and sudden temperature drops in specific areas of the building, even on warm days. Some visitors have claimed to feel an oppressive atmosphere or sense of unease in certain rooms, particularly those used for storage or maintenance.

In the pool area, there have been accounts of objects moving on their own, such as pool equipment shifting position overnight when the centre is closed and empty. Some lifeguards have reported hearing splashing sounds when the pool is unoccupied.