Contractor named for North East leisure scheme

Willmott Dixon has been picked to deliver a £21M leisure centre and community hub in Morpeth for Northumberland County Council.

The scheme is funded entirely by the council, with Willmott Dixon aiming to start construction work on The Terrace site by November in order to hand over the keys to the centre in summer 2022.

When complete, it will support the health and wellbeing of local residents with a range of facilities that include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, learner pool, spa facilities, four-court sports hall, 100 station fitness suite, plus a dedicated cycling studio and large fitness studios.

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.

Interim 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.

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; space that will bring people together and create a fantastic learning environment.”