Contractors appointed to Morpeth leisure development

The development of a new state-of-the art Leisure Centre and community hub in Morpeth has taken another step forward with the appointment of the contractors.

After a rigorous tender process, Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the official contractor to build the centre.
The new £21million development is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be built on The Terrace site on Gas House Lane in Morpeth.

It is hoped that work will start on the site in November, with the centre complete and open to the public in Summer 2022, managed by Active Northumberland.

The centre will include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, a learner pool, spa facilities, a four-court sports hall, a new 100 station fitness suite, a dedicated cycling studio, large fitness studios, a cafe area and soft play.

The plans also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility with classrooms for STEM learning and catering.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Glen Sanderson said:
“I am delighted that we are one step closer to creating outstanding sports, leisure and community facilities for Morpeth and the wider area. The new centre will be a real asset for the town and a wonderful place for residents and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.

“ When work does commence, Willmott Dixon will be implementing strict social distancing to ensure the health and safety of their staff and the wider community is not compromised in any way and that all measures on site are compliant with Government guidelines and Public Health England guidance.”

The new sports complex will be run by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that manages leisure services across the county.

Mark Warnes, Acting Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: “This modern new centre and the facilities within it have been designed so there will be something for all members of the local community to realise their fitness, lifestyle and sporting goals.”

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north, said: "We are delighted to have been appointed to create such an exciting and important facility, one that we think the people of Morpeth will be proud of, for generations to come.

“The creation of top-quality leisure facilities to encourage health and wellbeing are vital to help our communities thrive. Morpeth Leisure Centre will combine that with a new community services hub; a space that will bring people together and create a fantastic learning environment.

"As one of the UK's largest constructors of leisure centres, we will be bringing all our experience to ensure this is a fantastic facility for local people, as well as ensuring that we use local companies wherever possible to help support the local economy and create jobs in Morpeth."

The new centre is part of an ambitious £65 million countywide investment programme by Northumberland County Council to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities and to enhance the customer experience. This includes the building of new leisure centres in Berwick and Ponteland and major investment to refurbish and revitalise centres in Blyth and Hexham.