Work to start on delayed Bishop Auckland leisure centre
Work on a new leisure centre will start in the summer following delays.The facility, which will be built next to Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland, will combine sports and library services in one place, Durham County Council says.It will have two accessible swimming pools, a sauna and a 'move hub', with equipment for people who need to improve strength and mobility.The centre will be built on the site of the current Woodhouse Close Library, which will be demolished.
Plans for the project, which was priced at £26.6m, were approved in 2023. It was then delayed due to issues with a gas pipe underneath the leisure centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The council is funding the building, along with a £2.75m contribution from Sport England.The centre will also include soft play centre and a cafe.Councillor Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: "The new venue will bring leisure and library services together in a single, modern site with new features to make our services accessible to all ages and abilities and support community wellbeing."
The library will close from Saturday, with a click-and-collect service available at Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre.
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