Berwick Sports and Leisure Centre has received a commendation for a prestigious planning award. 

 

The county council funded centre, designed by GT3 architects with the support of DPP planning consultancy, was runner up in the regional Project of the Year category of the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards. 

  

The RTPI awards programme is designed to showcase outstanding achievements in planning, celebrating the contribution made by the planning profession to communities and their quality of life. 

Situated at Tweedmouth, the £22.6m centre, operated and managed by Active Northumberland, offers a whole new customer experience for all ages of the local community. 

Following their site visit the judges said the project has delivered a practical yet striking building as a tourist draw, balancing the needs of the community with the constraints of the site. 
 

Jo Robison, Director at DPP Planning said: 

“Berwick Leisure Centre is a high-quality, fully inclusive leisure destination built on a challenging site whilst the existing centre remained open.  

“Genuine and open engagement and collaboration between all the partners, and listening and responding positively to the needs of the local community has resulted in an iconic local landmark building that benefits the health of the community and boosts local tourism spending.” 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for Improving Healthy Lives added:  

“This centre offers much more than a gym, fitness classes and swimming. As important as these are, the centre has become a focal point for the town, with something for everyone, with a real focus on community spirit and developing friendships, health and well-being.” 

“The centre has already significantly increased participation in sport and leisure activities which can only be a good thing for the health and wellbeing of people living in and around Berwick.” 
 

Advance Northumberland was in charge of the project management of the scheme.