Plans approved for Newbiggin Sports & Community Centre upgrade
19 May 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Planning permission has been granted for a new £1.5 million pound investment scheme to refurbish and revitalise Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre.
The plans were given a seal of approval by Northumberland County Council, paving the way for a Summer 2021 start date with work expected to be complete by the end of the year.
The Northumberland County Council scheme includes the refurbishment and re-modelling of the centre to provide modern leisure, library and community spaces.
Plans include a new and improved sporting offer; The ground floor gym area will be refurbished and reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor will be converted into a new gym area with weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment.
In addition, the three squash courts and viewing gallery will be refurbished and the six-court sports hall upgraded.
There will be new and improved changing facilities that will be available for sport and community use, including changing places that are designed to be fully accessible for those with additional needs.
A new, modern and welcoming reception area, a library and the creation of a community café and hub area are also included in the plan as well as some essential repairs to the fabric of the building,
The centre has two external full sized football pitches that are used by a number of local teams; Northumberland County Council has been working with Newbiggin AFC, local clubs and the Football Foundation to provide new and enhanced grass pitches to the rear of the centre.
Mark Warnes, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said:
“This upgrade work will breathe new life into the centre and provide a modern and much improved experience for the local community.
“Despite the coronavirus pandemic, rapid progress is continuing to be made on this scheme. The granting of planning permission marks another milestone and means we are one step closer to bringing these fantastic new facilities to the local community.”