Tolent has been appointed to Berwick’s new £20m leisure centre, which will be built in phases to guarantee that the existing centre facilities stay open throughout construction
The new Berwick leisure centre which is being funded by Northumberland County Council and will be built on the site of the current Swan Centre in Tweedmouth.
Advance Northumberland, a new regeneration company established by Northumberland County Council is responsible for delivering the project. They appointed a design team that includes lead consultant Henry Riley LLP and GT3 Architects.
Work on Phase 1 of Berwick leisure centre
Phase 1 includes a new five-lane 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 completed and open to the public in summer 2022.
Designed by GT3 Architects, the new centre will feature a sports hall, indoor bowls, fitness studios, a 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.
Northumberland 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.”
Mark Tweedie, chief executive of Active Northumberland, the organisation that will manage the centre said: “One of Active Northumberand’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.”
David Thompson, regional director for Tolent, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to such a significant project for Berwick and the wider area.
“This project will not only deliver outstanding leisure and sports facilities, but the unique design of the building will be sure to bring interest from far and wide.
“We look forward to working closely with Advance Northumberland and the wider design team to ensure we deliver something that the local community are proud of.”
