Have your say on plans for two new leisure centres
People are invited to view and have their say on proposals to create two new leisure centres in County Durham and carry out a major refurbishment of a third.
Plans to build new leisure centres in Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street and refurbish The Louisa Centre in Stanley are a key part of our leisure transformation programme.
The programme aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents, promote physical activity and help people to live long and independent lives.
New build facilities are proposed at the Woodhouse Close site in Bishop Auckland and the former Civic Centre site in Chester-le-Street. These new centres will replace the current buildings, which are no longer fit for purpose. Facilities will also improve opportunities for physical activity and be more accessible and inclusive.
Aiming to meet current and future needs
Cllr James Rowlandson, Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: "The current facilities at Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street have served their communities well for a long time, but they now need to be replaced. Doing this will help us meet current and future needs of residents, provide the right spaces for existing and new activities and support our people to live long, healthy and independent lives.
"As part of our plans to ensure that we offer a range of modern, well equipped, and welcoming facilities, we would urge all residents and users to share their views. Telling us what would encourage you to become more active more often, have fun and get moving more, will allow us to deliver the best possible facilities and activities for people of all ages and abilities."
Help to develop the plans
Plans for each site include two new pools with moveable floors and improved accessibility, as well as new state of the art fitness suites, group exercise studios, wellbeing suites and a café, children's soft play and outdoor space.
Meanwhile, at The Louisa Centre, refurbishment plans would see the existing sports hall divided to create space for a new Clip and Climb facility, a dedicated space for wellbeing, group exercise and toning and the addition of healthy food and drinks to a new soft play area and activity space.
Current users of all three sites, including clubs and groups, are invited to share their views and help to develop the plans.
People have until 5pm on Friday 12 August to have their say on refurbishment plans for The Louisa Centre and until 5pm on Friday 26 August to share their views on new build plans for Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street.
Views can be shared by calling customer services on 03000 260 000, by visiting a drop-in session in Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and The Louisa Centre. A full list of dates and times for each of these can be found at , where feedback can also be left online.