Excitement is building in and around Morpeth as the town’s new flagship sport & leisure centre prepares to open its doors to the public at midday on Monday 3 April. 
 

The fantastic £21 million facility, funded by Northumberland County Council and operated and managed by Active Northumberland will provide state-of-the- art facilities and a whole new customer experience for all ages of the local community. 
 

In just a matter of days residents will be able to enjoy the fantastic new facilities which feature a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool and a four-court sports hall. 
 

There is also a brand-new state of the art gym and fitness area and three fitness studios. One will be a dedicated spinning studio with Technogym bikes while the other two will be used for fitness classes, yoga and Pilates. 
 

For those wanting a bit of rest and relaxation there is a new spa facility which includes a sauna, steam room, salt room, experience showers and spa pool. 
 

There is also a new HIVE cafe selling delicious food and drinks as well as a soft-play area for younger children.  
 

Situated on Gas House Lane, the centre will also incorporate the town’s library, a council customer service centre and Northumberland Skills’ new learning facility for school leavers and adults to support post-16 education and employment opportunities. These services will be managed by Northumberland County Council. 
 

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

“This is a really exciting time for the town and what I would like to say to the residents of Morpeth and beyond is that it is your centre so please try and use it if you can.  Whatever your age, the new centre offers something for everyone with lots of opportunities for fun, for fitness and relaxation. 
 

“The completion of this centre is the culmination of an ambitious £65 million countywide investment programme by this council to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities across Northumberland. This has included major investment to refurbish and revitalise sports centres in Hexham, Newbiggin and Blyth and build new leisure centres for Ponteland, Berwick and Morpeth.” 
 

Mark Warnes, chief executive of Active Northumberland said: 

“We are looking forward to welcoming new members and customers to the new centre for the very first time, and our friendly and experienced leisure team who work with people of all ages will be ready to help and support you and to help you achieve your own personal fitness or wellness goals.” 
 

“Morpeth’s Riverside Sports Centre will be running its full programme until Wednesday 29th March. Please remember you can use your membership at all Active Northumberland Centres until the new sports centre  opens at midday on Monday 3rd . “  
 

Local ward councillor David Bawn added:  

“It’s fantastic news that the building of this centre has crossed the finishing line. It really is a state-of-the-art new facility which will cater for the whole community and will transform sport and leisure provision in the town.” 
 

Residents can pay-as-they-go when they visit the centre, but can also become an Active member. There are a range of memberships on offer which work out cheaper for regular users and have many additional benefits. Members are entitled to unlimited access to all Active Northumberland gyms, fitness classes and swimming pools, expert one-on-one support and guidance through the specially tailored programme Elevate, for your personal fitness journey. Members can also receive a free health check and access to advance bookings on classes. 

The new centre has been designed by GT3 Architect and Willmott Dixon Ltd was the official contractor. Advance Northumberland has overseen the project management. 
 

To find out more about Active Northumberland membership options, including a great value flexible membership option, go to https://www.activenorthumberland.org.uk/morpeth-sports-leisure-centre/ 

Bookings for classes are open now.   Members and pay as you go customer can book via the Active Northumberland app