Image demonstrating Temporary use found for old Morpeth Riverside building  

Temporary use found for old Morpeth Riverside building  

The old Riverside Leisure Centre building in Morpeth is to be used by a film crew for a temporary period while a permanent use for the building is found.  
 
The crew will be using the centre as the base for a new TV drama which will be filmed mainly in Northumberland. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks. 
 
The production team will be occupying the building which belongs to Northumberland County Council and will start work there in the next few weeks  
 
Northumberland County Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for corporate services said:  
 
“It is great that a temporary use has been found for the building while discussions are ongoing about a permanent use for this important site.  
 
 
“Northumberland is a unique place - full of history with dramatic coastlines and beautiful scenery so is a fantastic backdrop for filming.  
 
 
“Having a production crew in the town who will use local accommodation, catering and other services will also provide a boost to the local economy.”  
 
 
Northumberland has a long history of welcoming productions of all sizes, from small independent film-makers through to regional and national television and huge blockbuster movies.   
 
 
Northumberland County Council has been exploring the future use for the old leisure centre site to find one that impacts positively on the town and best suit its needs.  
 
 
The centre is situated in the Newmarket area of town and is classed as a key opportunity site, situated in a central location within a Conservation Area, overlooking the River Wansbeck and opposite Carlisle Park.  
 
 
Last year Savills estate agents were appointed to test market the site and asked for expressions of interest or proposals on what the building could potentially be used for.  
 
 
Uses favoured on these sites in the Morpeth Neighbourhood Plan are “town centre use or sports, leisure, hotel, cultural or community use.” This does not preclude the possibility of other compatible uses locating on the wider site if they are supported by planning policies.  
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