Construction starts on delayed leisure centre

Construction has begun on a new leisure centre and library in Bishop Auckland

Work has officially begun on a new leisure centre and library almost two years after plans were approved.

Durham County Council held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new leisure centre in Bishop Auckland which will replace the existing facilities on Woodhouse Close.

Plans for the £26.6m centre were originally approved in 2023 but were delayed when its contractor entered administration.

Cabinet member for resource, investment and assets, Joe Quinn, said he believed it would encourage more people to lead healthy lives.

He said the new centre "supports our wider ambition to build better communities and thriving towns through the provision of up-to-date facilities".

The new centre will contain two swimming pools, a gym and a library

Woodhouse Close Library has been demolished as part of preparation works at the site, but the existing leisure centre will remain open during the construction of the new building.

Residents are still able to use nearby libraries at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Shildon and Coundon, or a click-and-collect service at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre.

The new centre will feature a library, two swimming pools, a gym, two exercise studios, a sauna and steam room, a soft play centre and a cafe.

Construction of the site is being paid for by the council which has received a £2.75m contribution from Sport England.

It is set to be completed in 2027.