Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre to receive £1.9m refurbishment

Construction work is now underway to refurbish and remodel the Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre.

Architectural firm, Howarth Litchfield, is responsible for the architecture and interior design and Brims Construction, has been appointed as the building contractor. Both firms won the work from Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland following a competitive tender.

The £1.9m scheme is one of a series of investments by Northumberland County Council across the county’s sports facilities aimed at providing local communities with much improved leisure amenities. The work to be undertaken is extensive and has necessitated the closure of the centre during construction.

Following construction, the centre will provide a new and improved ground floor gym area, which will be refurbished and reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor will be converted into a new gym area with weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment.

Neil Turner, director of Howarth Litchfield, said: “We are developing a new, open plan community hub with modern library resources breathing new life and vibrancy into a tired, existing building.

“The hub will provide modern facilities by creating an inviting and relaxing interior with the smart use of contemporary finishes, integrated furniture and flexible units.

“A modern ceiling with integrated functional and feature LED lighting will further improve this dynamic space. The toilet provision to this area will also receive a complete overhaul with modern finishes, fixtures and fittings.”

Neil concluded: “The remaining community areas will receive a decorative refresh further enhanced with replacement LED lights, while the central entrance will be re-focused and the changing area completely remodelled to provide an uplifting, fully inclusive facility to energise and enthuse any sports enthusiast.”

Councillor Wendy Pattinson, cabinet member for Northumberland Communities Together said: “As well as the sporting offer the centre will offer a vibrant community hub for social groups, activities and skills workshops.

“There will be a library area, a café and a welcoming social space for local people to access a range of services and support. I am sure it will become a much loved and valued focal point for this community which will help people feel more connected.”