Construction to start on £27.3 million flagship leisure centre in Bishop Auckland
This summer sees the start of work on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland for Durham County Council. The flagship development is the first new build project in the council’s ambitious Leisure Transformation Programme.
The new centre replaces Woodhouse Leisure Complex, which at more than 50 years old, is the oldest facility in the council’s leisure portfolio. This is the fifth scheme to be delivered by the Council’s leisure development partners Alliance Leisure, following the refurbishments of Consett Leisure Centre (2022), Abbey Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure Centre in 2023, and the Louisa Centre in 2024.
“The Bishop Auckland project marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Durham County Council. Building on the success of previous regeneration projects, this flagship development brings together health, wellbeing, culture and learning in one modern, inclusive and sustainable space. I’m proud of the Alliance Leisure team and our partners for their continued innovation and commitment to creating facilities that truly reflect community needs and support Sport England’s priorities.”
Funded by the council, the project is supported with £2.5 million from Sport England and closely aligns with its priorities placing health, wellbeing and physical activity at the heart of improving living standards and connecting communities.
Bishop Auckland is among the most deprived wards in County Durham. Across the county, 33% of residents live in the top 20% most deprived areas in England. Almost 39% of adults are classified as inactive, while over half of children and young people fail to meet CMO physical activity guidelines.
The new Bishop Auckland leisure centre has been designed to address these challenges by providing modern, inclusive facilities that encourage physical activity for all ages and abilities. And by incorporating a public library in the development means the centre will be a true community hub combining leisure, health, education and skills under one roof.
The new facility will include a 25m, six-lane main pool and a 20m four-lane teaching pool with moveable floors for maximum flexibility as well as a large gym and two group exercise studios. It will also feature the council’s fourth Move Hub, a power-assisted exercise studio equipped by Innerva for people who need support to improve strength and mobility, including those recovering from health conditions.
An adventure play area will help promote physical literacy, confidence and social development in children, while the café will offer a space for families, friends and the whole community to relax and socialise.
The integrated public library and community space will provide opportunities for learning, cultural events and programmes. An outdoor active area and community garden complete the project.
Architecturally, the centre has been designed with pitched roofs and large windows to maximise natural light and blend with the local environment. Targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating, the building will be fully electric, utilising air source heat pumps and renewable energy systems to minimise costs and futureproof the facility.
Councillor Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “The project is part of our leisure transformation programme to modernise leisure facilities across the county as well as our ongoing regeneration of the town. The new venue will bring leisure and library services together in a single, modern site with new features to make our services accessible to all ages and abilities and support community wellbeing.”
Alex Isted, Morgan Sindall’s North East and Cumbria Area Director, said: “One of our core tenets at Morgan Sindall is a commitment to creating community – what better way to pay homage to that, than to contribute our leisure facilities expertise to creating a vibrant community hub for Durham.
“We’re proud to be providing career opportunities within the local area, utilising local subcontractors and workforce. Additionally, this project sees the extension of our relationship with Alliance Leisure, having worked on a similar facility in Caerphilly – we’re looking forward to getting started on site.”
The project team includes Morgan Sindall (contractor), Axiom (project management), DPP (planning consultancy) and GT3 Architects (lead designers). The project was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).
For more information about Alliance Leisure visit allianceleisure.co.uk
