Northumberland County Council’s commitment to provide a multi-million-pound learning and leisure campus in Ponteland is now complete and this week hundreds of excited pupils moved into their new schools to begin their learning journey.  

The community of Ponteland and its surrounding areas are benefitting from one of the council’s largest ever capital programmes - a ground-breaking scheme and the very first of its kind in the country. 

The £43million campus, completed by Kier sees a nursery, primary and secondary school all on the same site, alongside a state-of-the art leisure centre, a café, sports bar and a library. 

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member responsible for Children’s Services said: “I have no doubt that this facility will benefit children, young people and their families for years to come. It is important that our children and young people grow up with opportunities, are happy and safe, and have access to learning and leisure provision such as these. To have them on their doorstep is without doubt an incredible benefit for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.  

“An educational offering such as this in the community of Ponteland will bring benefits of its own, giving local children and young people access to outstanding learning facilities from the earliest opportunity.” 

The 1,600-pupil secondary school, a 420-pupil primary school, and a 52-place nursery opened their doors this week (Tuesday 3 November) welcoming students back after the half-term break. The opening of the leisure centre (including pool, library and café) will be postponed until Government lockdown restrictions are eased and leisure centres can reopen. 

Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Healthy Lifestyles said: “Unfortunately due to lockdown restrictions around the pandemic we will not be able to open the leisure centre on the date we had planned however we are very hopeful that the public will not have to wait long to experience these outstanding facilities.  

“The council is extremely proud of what has been achieved for the community of Ponteland. In partnership with Active Northumberland we have managed to bring to life a vision which we hope will encourage more people to get active and improve their health and wellbeing 

“Not only will fitness enthusiasts have some of the best facilities in the north east, the new leisure centre will offer so much more to the local community with opportunities for fun, fitness and relaxation. We want residents to know that it is a facility that will welcome and support everyone - whatever their age. It is inclusive and accessible to all and we look forward to opening it to the public when government guidance permits us to do so.” 

Leisure charity Active Northumberland will manage the leisure centre, which boasts a six-lane swimming pool with height adjustable floor, a learner pool including aqua play, a spa and a gym, virtual cycling studio as well as a soft play area, clip ‘n’ climb activity centre, a library, café and sports bar. 

There will also be outdoor sports fields, 2 multi-use games areas and a full size 3G pitch which will be used by both the schools and the local community. The four-court sports hall with indoor cricket nets will also provide great opportunities for indoor sports activities. 

Mark Warnes, Acting Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: “While we are understandably disappointed, we can’t open the new centre as planned this month, our team of friendly and experienced fitness coaches look forward to welcoming and helping local residents of all ages on their wellness journey when leisure centres can re-open to the public again.” 

The council is committed to investing in its communities, this project being part of a wider £142m in Northumberland’s schools and an additional £65m countywide investment programme to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities.