It’s been just over two years since the fantastic new Berwick Sports & Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public, and during that time it has gone from strength to strength, with attendance at an all-time high. 

The new £22.6 million centre, funded by Northumberland County Council opened its doors to the public on 8 February 2022, providing a wide range of opportunities for fitness, relaxation and fun. 

Over the past two years, thousands of residents and visitors, of all ages have enjoyed the facilities which include a state-of-the-art gym, pools, a spa, indoor bowling green, a fantastic range of exercise classes, soft play, a café and much more. 

Figures show a 68 per cent increase in attendance from 211,305 at the old centre to 355,383 attendances at the new centre, 

Fitness membership has almost doubled to 1700 compared to under 900 at the old facility.  

 

Similarly, the number of children on the Learn to Swim programme has doubled to over 400 children compared to under 200 at the old facility.  

 
Over the last year there have been over 84,000 swimming visits, 93,700 gym visits and 33,700 fitness class visits. 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for Promoting Healthy Lives said: 

“It’s fantastic to see this fantastic sports centre is proving so popular and the activities and classes are helping residents to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.  

“It’s a first-class venue with welcoming and experienced staff and a huge variety of activities on offer.  Memberships have almost doubled, and participation is continuing to increase. The record attendance figures speak for themselves.” 
 

The fitness timetable includes Body Balance, Body Combat, studio cycling, Zumba, abs and toning work outs as well as more holistic offerings such as Age Well, yoga, Pilates and relaxation and meditation. 
 

To support residents with health challenges there are specialist exercise classes for those with Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis, there is dementia football and a GP exercise on referral class. 
 

Over recent years Northumberland County Council has committed to its biggest ever spend on sports and leisure facilities the county has ever seen to build new centres and breathe new life into facilities across the county.