£5m Northumberland sports facility takes shape with second phase

The next phase of construction of a new multi-million pound sports facility in Northumberland is underway.

Brims Construction has begun work on the second phase of the £5m Blyth Sports Centre development.

Designed and managed by Newcastle-based JDDK Architects, the latest phase of development will see the creation of a new spa and new changing facilities with the reconfiguration of studio spaces.

Council Leader, Cllr Peter Jackson, commented: “This exciting project is all part of our County Council’s huge commitment to Blyth.

“This council is fully committed to improving leisure facilities and creating opportunities for people to be active and stay healthy.

“It’s great news that such rapid progress is being made to update and upgrade Blyth Sports Centre and we are well on our way to bringing some fantastic new facilities to the local community.”

JDDK associate director and project architect, Nicky Hodgson, added: “The public’s safety was obviously paramount and the contractors have done a great job, but the need to now integrate social distancing measures after the delay of lockdown has added a few other complications - but I’m completely confident we can bring the project safely and within the new schedule.

“We are now used to conducting site meetings remotely as part of the new way of working whilst we can deliver all the information required by the construction team on a regular basis through our CAD systems.

“Social distancing will certainly extend the project but that is just part of the new way of working in construction and is now built into the planning.”