Bishop Auckland: New leisure centre to replace old hub approved

Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex will be knocked down and rebuilt

Plans for a new leisure centre containing swimming pools, a gym and a library have been approved.

Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, in Bishop Auckland, will be demolished and replaced with a new facility.

A review by Durham County Council found the existing 50-year-old leisure centre was in poor condition and struggled to meet modern standards.

The new complex will open in 2025 and will include sports facilities, a café, soft play area and a wellness hub.

'Delighted'

Conservative councillor Joanne Howey said a key priority in the 2021 election was to keep leisure centres open.

She said: "Residents were clear how important this was to them, and we are delighted the council has passed the plans."

A review found Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex struggled to meet modern standards

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the work on the new two-storey building will take place over four phases, with the first step being to demolish the existing library.

Phase two will be the construction of the new building, followed by the demolition of the existing site.

The final phase will see a new car park built.

A public consultation carried out by the council found that the majority of people supported the plans, with many agreeing the leisure centre needed upgrading.

The revamp of the Bishop Auckland site is one of three leisure centres that have been identified for investment, the other two being in Chester-le-Street and the Louisa Centre in Stanley.