Morpeth Leisure Centre in running for national award

A “transformational” state-of-the-art leisure facility that combines community, sports and wellbeing services has been recognised on a national scale for its innovative and inclusive design.

Morpeth Sports and Leisure Centre, which opened in 2023, has been shortlisted for ‘Excellence in Planning for Health and Wellbeing’ at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards. The project was delivered by DPP Planning in partnership with Northumberland County Council, Active Northumberland, GT3 Architects and Willmott Dixon.

The centre has already won multiple accolades, including the RICS national award for ‘Community Benefit Project’, UKactive’s ‘New Build of the Year’, and ‘Project of the Year’ at the RTPI North East Planning Excellence awards. It was also a finalist for ‘Design Excellence’ at the North East Property Awards.

President of the RTPI Lindsey Richards was given a tour of the facility by Jo Robison, the director of DPP Planning’s Newcastle office, ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held in London on November 26.

Jo said: “Morpeth Leisure Centre was built with people and community at its core, and we’re incredibly proud to see it celebrated on multiple fronts. 

“It was a complex project but is now a transformational facility both for the health and wellbeing of the residents that use it, but also as a focus for the community and a draw into the town.

“I am proud of the role DPP played in delivering this project and it is amazing to see the extent of positive change the building is delivering for the health and wellbeing of the whole community.”

DPP Planning’s Cardiff office is also in the spotlight, with the Cardiff University Spark|Sparc building – the world’s first social science research park – being nominated for an ‘Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy’ award.

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