The new look Newbiggin Sports and Community Hub is hosting an open day on Thursday September 1, so local residents can have the first look around the centre and facilities in advance of the grand opening. 
 

Local residents are being encouraged to come along any time between 10am and 6.30 pm to look around the sports facilities, meet staff and find out more about the events and activities that are being planned in the new community hub.  
 

There will be light refreshments served and staff from both Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland will be present to greet and meet local residents.  
 

The centre has undergone a fantastic £1.9 m county council funded facelift which has seen it refurbished and remodelled to provide a new community hub and improved sporting offer along with a function room, community allotment and football pitch. 
 

A new, modern and welcoming reception area, a library area and the creation of a community café and hub will provide a welcoming social space for local people to access a range of services, support and events. 
 

On the sporting side - the ground floor gym area has been reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor has been converted into a new gym area with weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment. 
 

In addition, the three squash courts and viewing gallery have been refurbished and the six-court sports hall upgraded.  
 

There are also 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. 
 

Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member with responsibility for Northumberland Communities Together said 

“As well as the sporting offer the centre will provide a vibrant community hub for social groups, activities and skills workshops.  I am sure it will become a much loved and valued focal point for this community - somewhere where people can meet, socialise and feel more connected.” 
  

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said:  

“This major refurbishment has injected new life into the centre to provide a modern and much improved social and sporting experience for the local community. I am so pleased that this scheme is now complete and hope local residents will come along to the open day to find out more about the fantastic new facilities in their town.” 

 

Local ward member Councillor Liz Simpson added: “I can’t wait for the centre to re-open. It is a fantastic addition to the town and we have lots of exciting things planned in the community hub – for all ages. The community allotment which will be situated behind the centre is another great part of the scheme which will encourage interaction and friendships between the generations while providing food for the cafe.” 

 

Mark Warnes, chief executive of Active Northumberland which manages the centre said: 

“The centre is looking fantastic and our staff are putting the final touches in place as the new equipment is installed ready for opening day. 

“Active Northumberland staff are experienced in working with people of all ages They will be at the open day so please pop along and have a chat to see how they can support you to achieve your own fitness and wellbeing goals.” 
 

Architect Howarth Litchfield was responsible for architecture and interior design while Brims Construction (Brims) was the appointed building contractor. Advance Northumberland were the project managers.