Residents are being asked to have their say on plans to transform County Durham’s leisure facilities.
As part of Durham County Council’s £78 million Leisure Transformation Plan, there are plans for three new state of the art leisure centres and a full programme of wider improvements to the council’s existing leisure facilities.
The programme aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents, helping them to live long and independent lives and provide long-term benefits to communities across the county.
The majority of the wider improvements are set to begin next year as part of a phased approach, with phase one seeing refurbishments made at Abbey, Peterlee, Spennymoor and Teesdale leisure centres.
This includes proposals for new soft play, interactive tag activity and a food and drink offer at Abbey; new soft play, adventure play and ten-pin bowling facilities at Peterlee, along with improved opportunities for group exercise; better links to the town centre as well as new soft play and water play facilities in the pool at Spennymoor; and, behind the scenes pool improvements and a new wellness suite at Teesdale to support people recovering from injuries or starting out on their fitness journey.
There are also plans for refurbishment works to make facilities more sustainable in the future.
Residents and leisure centre users are being given the opportunity to provide their views on leisure facilities in the community as part of the council’s leisure conversation, which starts today.
People can either take part in person at their local leisure centre, call customer services on 03000 260 000 or visit www.durham.gov.uk/leisuretransformation
The consultation runs until 5pm on Friday, November 12, with events taking place at the following leisure centres:
• Peterlee: Thursday 21 October from 9am to 1pm and Wednesday 3 November from 2pm and 6pm.
• Spennymoor: Wednesday 27 October from 9am to 1pm and Thursday 11 November from 2pm to 6pm.
• Abbey: Monday 1 November from 2pm to 6pm and Tuesday 9 November from 9am to 1pm.
• Teesdale: Tuesday 2 November from 9am to 1pm and Wednesday 10 November from 2pm to 6pm.
Cllr James Rowlandson, Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get involved in our leisure conversation and to help us to shape the future of facilities across County Durham.
“We are determined to provide facilities that positively impact on our communities, reflect changing trends and better meet the needs of all of our residents and visitors. To do that, we want to hear from as many residents and leisure users as possible.
“These plans will also help to promote the regeneration of each town as well as having a positive impact on the wider area, helping to deliver the best possible outcome for communities.”