Work to start on delayed new leisure centre

The new centre will have two swimming pools

Work on a new leisure centre will start in the summer following delays.

The facility, which will be built next to Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland, will combine sports and library services in one place, Durham County Council said.

It will have two accessible swimming pools, a sauna and a 'move hub' containing equipment for people who need to improve strength and mobility.

The centre will be built on the site of the current Woodhouse Close Library which will be demolished.

Plans for the project, which was priced at £26.6m, were approved in 2023.

It was then delayed after a previously appointed contractor entered administration, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The site will have a soft play area and a cafe

The council is funding the building, along with a £2.75m contribution from Sport England, which will also include soft play centre and cafe.

Councillor Joe Quinn, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: "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."

The library will close from Saturday, with a click-and-collect service available at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre.