The future of the "iconic" Gateshead International Stadium has been put under review.
Gateshead Council bosses are set to launch an 'options appraisal' before deciding how the stadium is run going forward, with a report due back in July.
The review, which was agreed to by the council's cabinet on Tuesday, will include consultation with gym users, staff, and "anchor tenants" at the site including Gateshead FC and Gateshead College.
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The move comes as the future of Birtley Swimming Centre and Gateshead Leisure Centre hangs in the balance.
Those sites had been facing controversial closure at the end of March, but were given a three-month reprieve by the council on Tuesday to allow for talks over community asset transfers that could save them.
Gateshead International Stadium is being assessed separately from the borough's other leisure facilities, which previously sparked outrage from trade union officials.
The GMB union last year branded the stadium a “white elephant” that was draining resources away from other centres with greater community use.
GMB trade union officer Julie Wynn told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in November: “The stadium has the lowest footfall for community activity, but it costs the most money to run.”
The council report justifying the separate consideration states: "Whilst the Gateshead International Stadium is managed within the organisational structure of Leisure Services, the facility has a wider and significantly different offer than the rest of the Leisure Services portfolio."
It adds: " The Council is very proud of its sport and leisure offer and has built up a reputation for being a leader in this area with the GIS being a key iconic
facility hosting a number of major sporting events over the years such as the
World Transplant Games, the European Athletics Team Championships and
Diamond League events as well as music concerts."
As well as international athletics, the stadium has staged concerts from artists including Bon Jovi and Little Mix.
The review of the site is due to begin on February 1 and a full report detailing the options for the future of the stadium will be presented to Gateshead Council's cabinet in July this year.
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