Work to begin on new Bishop Auckland leisure centre
A CONTRACTOR has been appointed to create a brand-new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland, with
work to start this summer.
Durham County Council has appointed Morgan Sindall to carry out work on the new-build site,
which will be located next to Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre on the site of the current Woodhouse
Close Library. The new building will create a community hub bringing both the leisure services and
the library together in one place, supporting health, wellbeing, education, and skills all under one
roof.
It will include two accessible swimming pools, a sauna and steam room. There will also be a
modern gym with the latest equipment and technology, alongside two new purpose-built group
exercise spaces. A Move Hub will be created with power-assisted equipment for people who need
support to improve strength and mobility, including those recovering from health conditions. And
there will be the addition of a new soft play centre and café alongside the library, creating a place
for families, friends, and the whole community.
Cllr Joe Quinn, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets,
said: “We are delighted to soon begin work on the new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland following
the appointment of the contractor. The project is part of our leisure transformation programme to
modernise leisure facilities across the county as well as our ongoing regeneration of the town.
“The new venue will bring leisure and library services together in a single, modern site with new
features to make our services accessible to all ages and abilities and support community wellbeing.”
While Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre will remain open, Woodhouse Close Library is closing from
Saturday 7 June as part of works beginning.
A click and collect library service will be available within Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre during
the ongoing works. Users will be able to access the full range of services at all other libraries with
the nearest at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, followed by Shildon and Coundon library venues.
Customers can find details of all of the library venues and also access the council’s online library
services including e-books at www.durham.gov.uk/libraries
Works have been carefully planned to minimise disruption and customers will be kept updated as
work progresses. The new leisure centre is being funded by the council, with a contribution of
£2.75m from Sport England.
