Work to build the new £21m state-of-the-art sport and leisure centre in Morpeth is now complete as the countdown begins to opening day. 
 

All being well it is hoped the centre will be open to the public over the coming weeks. 

Contractors Willmott Dixon have been building the new centre for the past 94 weeks and have now completed the construction work and are finished on the site. 

The centre has now been handed over to Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland who will be installing all the fixtures and fittings, gym equipment, the library   and ensuring staff are fully trained before the centre opens to the public. 

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

“Now the build is complete we can all see what an impressive centre it is.  The building contractors Willmott Dixon have had to contend with the Covid restrictions, severe storms and material supply issues – but their team have worked incredibly hard and pulled out all the stops to keep the build on-track.” 

Mark Warnes, Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: “Over the coming weeks we will be installing state of the art gym equipment, a softplay, our new Hive café offer, signage, and all the fixtures and fittings such as lockers for the changing rooms. We will also be carrying out an intensive staff training programme. 

“We are working hard to ensure that all our customers have a seamless transition between the old Riverside Leisure Centre and the new centre and we will be keeping them fully informed of the transition arrangements once we have a firm opening date.” 

The leisure centre will feature 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.  

In addition, it will be the new home to the town library, a customer service centre and Northumberland Skills’ new learning facility for school leavers and adults to support post-16  education and employment opportunities. These services are now working on site to get their equipment installed and ready for the opening. 

 

Local ward and County Councillor David Bawn added
While the focus of the centre has been on sport and leisure – there will also be a whole floor dedicated to learning, delivered on behalf of the council by Northumberland Skills. From English, maths and digital qualifications to business, leadership and management courses, there are learning opportunities for everyone designed to support our local community to upskill, boost confidence and gain or progress in employment.”