Proposals have been submitted to create a new centre which brings together leisure, library, and children’s services.
Durham County Council has submitted a planning application to create a new-build leisure centre for Bishop Auckland on the site of the current Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex.
The centre will bring together services and activities on a single site, creating a wellbeing and community hub.
The new building will include two new swimming pools and a modern gym with the latest equipment and technology.
It will also feature a new library, replacing Woodhouse Close Library, along with the creation of a Move Hub to provide wellbeing services which support the whole community.
By bringing together these services in a single, new build site, it is hoped that the new centre will also help support the ongoing regeneration of Bishop Auckland.
Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment, and assets, said: “Woodhouse Close has been popular with residents since it opened. However, after serving the community for more than 50 years, the building is no longer fit for purpose. We remain committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents through the delivery of leisure services and our plans are to create a new, modern facility which will support the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“The plans at Woodhouse Close will support our vision to provide a range of employment opportunities as the centre expands its offer and range of products and services. A variety of leisure products will create a physical environment that contributes to good health and supports residents to live long and independent lives.
“It will also mean we are operating from a lower emission building with carbon-saving measures incorporated into the design, supporting our environmental commitment to tackling climate change.”
Residents and stakeholders were consulted on the proposals which have helped shape the design of leisure services.
If approved, the planning and design process will be carefully arranged to minimise disruption to the current centre’s services wherever possible.
