People living in and around Morpeth are making their health and wellbeing a priority as attendance at the town’s fantastic new sports centre reaches an all-time high. 

Over a twelve-month period, there were well over ¼ million more attendances at the new sports centre on Gas House Lane than at the old Riverside Sports Centre. 

 

Northumberland County Council invested £21 million in a state-of-the-art new sports centre for the town which opened its doors to the public in April last year. 

 

It features a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new gym and functional training offer, a dedicated cycling studio, two fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play. 
 

Figures just released show a 175% increase in attendances in just one year - rising from 150,502 attendances at the old Riverside Centre in 2022 to 414,232 attendances at the new Morpeth sports and leisure centre in 2023. This is a massive increase of 263,730 attendances in just one year. 

 

Over recent years Northumberland County Council has committed to its biggest ever spend on sports and leisure facilities the county has ever seen. It has invested £65 million to build new centres and breathe new life into facilities across the county. 

 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for Promoting Healthy Lives said: 

“The number of people visiting the new Morpeth Sports Centre has soared to record levels which is fantastic news and shows that it is offering the facilities and activities that the local community want.” 

 

“It really is an outstanding sports centre. The facilities are state of the art and the staff are very welcoming, experienced and well trained. There is something for everyone whether you are a toddler, teenager, a new mum or a pensioner.” 
 

In addition, the centre is home to the town library, a customer service centre and a Northumberland Skills learning facility for school leavers and adults to support post-16  education and employment opportunities.