£63m investment could ‘transform’ North East leisure services

Multi-million pound plans have been proposed by Durham County Council in a bid to ‘transform’ the county’s leisure provisions.

The council has unveiled plans for three new leisure centres as part of the £63m investment, in addition to revitalising existing facilities across County Durham.

Under the proposed plans, Seaham, Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland are set to become home to new purpose-built leisure centres.

Centres in towns such as Consett, Newton Aycliffe, Wolsingham, Teesdale and Peterlee are also set to be redeveloped and updated as part of the investment.

Cllr Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, commented: “Our proposed programme of transformation represents a massive investment in leisure over the coming years and reflects our desire to be at the forefront of changing trends in leisure provision.

“Reviewing our current offer has shown that there are significant opportunities for us to increase participation in physical activity by providing a more vibrant, cost-effective service that better meets customers’ expectations.

“We’re confident that our planned programme of investment will reinvigorate leisure services across the county and secure their place at the heart of our communities for many years to come.”