Demolition of former West Denton leisure centre begins

The leisure centre's swimming pool was closed during the Covid pandemic and did not reopen

Demolition is under way at a Newcastle leisure centre, three years after its partial closure during the pandemic.

Excavators have begun clearing the site in West Denton, once home to a library, customer service centre, and a swimming pool - which closed in March 2020.

A replacement "first-class" facility is being built, but the development has been hit by delays and budget concerns.

Initially scheduled to open in summer next year, the new centre is now expected to welcome users in 2025.

Demolition of the existing facility had been due to start in January this year, but was pushed back a number of times. The works are expected to last seven weeks.

Council cabinet member Paula Maines said the leisure centre had "played a part in many residents' lives over the years", but she stressed its replacement "will offer first-class facilities".

While acknowledging previous delays, Ms Maines said the new centre was "now well under way".

"I can't wait to see the new building start to emerge next year, and open in 2025."

The replacement facility is set to open in 2025 after "one or two delays".

The new centre will have an eight-lane swimming pool, training pool and play pool, as well as a sports hall, gym, library and soft-play area.

Newcastle City Council switched contractors earlier this year in an effort to reduce costs, which were estimated to be £6m over-budget, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Factors such as inflation were blamed for the increase in costs.