Two new leisure centres could be built in County Durham and another could be refurbished if plans are approved.
Durham County Council has launched a consultation over plans to build new leisure centres at the Woodhouse Close site in Bishop Auckland and the former Civic Centre site in Chester-le-Street. Plans will also include refurbishing The Louisa Centre in Stanley as part of the council's leisure transformation programme.
Plans for each site include two new pools with moveable floors and improved accessibility, as well as new state-of-the-art fitness suites, group exercise studios, wellbeing suites and a café, children's soft play and outdoor space. The new facilities will replace the current buildings, which are no longer fit for purpose.
Read more: County Durham football coach gets sweet surprise from his team on his wedding day
Meanwhile, at The Louisa Centre, refurbishment plans would see the existing sports hall divided to create space for a new Clip and Climb facility, a dedicated space for wellbeing, group exercise and toning and the addition of healthy food and drinks to a new soft play area and activity space.
Councillor James Rowlandson, Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: "The current facilities at Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street have served their communities well for a long time, but they now need to be replaced. Doing this will help us meet the current and future needs of residents, provide the right spaces for existing and new activities and support our people to live long, healthy and independent lives.
"As part of our plans to ensure that we offer a range of modern, well-equipped, and welcoming facilities, we would urge all residents and users to share their views. Telling us what would encourage you to become more active more often, have fun and get moving more, will allow us to deliver the best possible facilities and activities for people of all ages and abilities."
The council's leisure transformation programme aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents, promote physical activity and help people to live long and independent lives. New facilities will also improve opportunities for physical activity and be more accessible and inclusive.
Current users of all three sites, including clubs and groups, are invited to share their views and help to develop the plans. People have until 5pm on Friday, August 12, to have their say on refurbishment plans for The Louisa Centre and until 5pm on Friday, August 26, to share their views on new build plans for Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street.
Read next:
- County Durham cemetery targeted by vandals as trinkets thrown from graves sparking 24-hour patrols
- Man attacked in Chester-le-Street park as 'large group record it on their phones'
- Man appears in court over alleged assault in Seaham that left 'victim with serious head injuries'
-
Heartbroken family pays tribute to 18-year-old killed in Durham car crash
