New Pool Development Opens Ahead of Schedule
01/08/2008
August 08 will see the end of an era as Hexham Swimming Pool closes its doors and the start of a new venture for sport and leisure in Tynedale with the opening of new swimming facilities at Wentworth Leisure Centre.
The new Wentworth Leisure Centre has undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment project funded by Tynedale Council and will be opening to the public on Thursday 28th August. Customers and visitors will be able to take advantage of a 25 metre, six-lane pool; a 15 metre studio pool; two cafés and a new fitness centre containing 40% more cardiovascular equipment and 10% more resistance equipment compared to the existing facilities.
The new facilities are in addition to the other popular activities on offer at the centre which include a wide variety of fitness classes, indoor bowls centre, sports hall and Jungle Jacks children’s play area, offering something for everyone in a friendly and welcoming environment.
To allow for handover of the building and staff training, Wentworth Leisure Centre will be closed for just over three weeks from 10pm on Sunday 3rd August until it re-opens to the public with its new facilities on Thursday 28th August.
Hexham Swimming Pool will officially close on Friday 8th August at 8pm and all services will be relocated to the new Wentworth Leisure Centre when it opens.
North Country Leisure Tynedale, the registered charity which manages both centres will be celebrating over 30 years of Hexham Swimming Pool, by offering free admission for every visitor on the last day of opening.
Due to the size and scale of the redevelopment project, there could be some changes to the opening dates of the new building. Although managers hope this will not be the case, should anything happen to delay the opening changes will be published in the Hexham Courant and on the website: www.northcountryleisure.org.uk, where you can also find the latest updates on the development.
John Maude, Chief Executive at NCL Tynedale said, “I would like to thank all of our customers and visitors for their support and cooperation during the past months while the building works have surged forward and apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are very excited about the new centre and look forward to seeing everyone there”.
Leader of Tynedale Council Cllr Harold Forster said “The existing pool has served Hexham well for 30 years, and now we are on the verge of a new era with a wonderful modern building using cutting edge technology which will be the envy of many authorities in the country. The opening of this impressive facility will be one of the last major projects of Tynedale Council.”
The pool development has been designed by GLR Architects, the main contractor is Sir Robert McAlpine and Hall & Partners have managed the project.
Tynedale Council has funded the construction of the new pool building and the repairs and improvements to the existing building. Contributions have also been obtained from Sport England, One NorthEast/Northumberland Strategic Partnership, Egger UK and Tynedale Amateur Swimming Club to support the cost of the development.