Councillors and contractors on the site of the new leisure centre

Car park changes as leisure centre works start

Changes to car parks are coming into force as the multi-million pound scheme to transform leisure provision in Morpeth gathers pace. 
 
The town’s new state of the art £21 million leisure centre and community hub, which is being funded by Northumberland County Council, will be built on Gas House Lane.  
 
Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the main contractor for the centre which is expected to open to the public in early 2023 
 
Construction activities will start on 1st March and will mean the temporary closure of the existing Terrace Car Park, which will be used as the construction site compound for the duration of the works.  
 
The Council has leased a site to provide a replacement long stay car park on Gas House Lane to mitigate any loss of town centre parking whilst the Terrace Car Park is temporarily closed. 
 
Signs have been displayed in the Terrace Car Park over the last week to advise users of this temporary closure and redirect users to the alternative facilities.  
 
Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lifestyles, said: “This significant investment will create outstanding new facilities for the town and surrounding communities and we’re delighted we’ve reached this stage where people will soon be able to see the centre taking shape. 
 
Ward Councillor David Bawn said: "It’s great that we’re now moving to the next phase in this exciting project. 
 
“It was important that the work fits around the current needs of the town so finding an alternative carpark nearby has been crucial to avoid any loss of amenity for residents and visitors.” 
 
The new sports complex will be run by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that manages leisure services across the county.
 
 
Mark Warnes, Acting Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: “One of Active Northumberland’s key aims is to get more people of all ages involved in physical activity to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  
 
There will be something for all members of the local community at this new centre and we hope that it will offer opportunities for more people to be active, more often.”  
 
When complete the new centre will include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station fitness suite, a dedicated spinning studio, large fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play.    
 
The plans also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility. 
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