Work is officially under way on Berwick's new multi-million pound leisure centre.
Northumberland County Council held a 'turf-cutting ceremony' this week to mark the start of the £20m development, set to be built on the site of the current Swan Centre in Tweedmouth.
The work, which will be completed by Tolent Construction Limited, will take place in phases to keep the Swan Centre running until existing facilities can be replaced.
Work on phase one, which includes a new swimming pool and fitness suite, will start on January 6 next year and is due to open in March 2021. The new centre is expected to be completely open to the public in summer 2022.
Designed by GT3 Architects, the new centre will feature a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, a teaching pool and leisure pool and spa facilities. There will be a sports hall, indoor bowls, fitness studios, cafe and a sensory room. Outside there will be a 3G full-size playing pitch, play park and trim trail and parking for 175 cars.
The site was initially earmarked to become a joint hospital and leisure centre but will operate as a standalone site following protests from Berwick locals.
Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member for culture, arts, leisure and tourism, said: “This significant investment will create outstanding new facilities for the town and surrounding communities and there is a real sense of anticipation as we mark the start of this work today.
“The current Swan Centre has millions of pounds worth of backlog maintenance issues and is no longer fit for its intended purpose. The landmark new centre will be a focal point not just for local residents but for visitors from further afield and will add to the area’s ever-growing tourism offer.”
Mark Tweedie, chief executive of Active Northumberland, the organisation that will manage the centre, said: “One of Active Northumberland's key aims is to get more people, of all ages involved in physical activity to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This new centre and the facilities within it have been designed with this vision in mind.
"There will be something for all members of the local community and we hope that it will offer opportunities for more people to be active, more often.”
Local councillors also celebrated the news that work had begun.
Gregah Roughead, local ward councillor for Berwick West with Ord, said: “ It’s an exciting day and I am thrilled that spades are in the ground and work is starting on the development.
"The local community have had a real say in deciding the facilities within it and I am sure the new centre will be a real asset for the town for generations to come. ”
