Sunderland bosses set out next steps for Raich Carter and Houghton Sports Centres

Sunderland’s leaders have said they are working towards reopening sport centres which remain closed despite the easing of the lockdown and relaunch of sister sites.
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The facilities at Hetton Community Pool and Leisure Centre reopened on the same day.

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But the Raich Carter Centre in Hendon remains boarded up, with no word on when it will welcome back customers, while Houghton Sports Centre also remains closed.

The Raich Carter Centre remains boarded up, while Houghton Sport Centre is also still closed. Image of Houghton's site copyright of Google Maps.The Raich Carter Centre remains boarded up, while Houghton Sport Centre is also still closed. Image of Houghton's site copyright of Google Maps.
The Raich Carter Centre remains boarded up, while Houghton Sport Centre is also still closed. Image of Houghton's site copyright of Google Maps.

The city’s ski slope, which is part of the Silksworth site, is also still shut.

Everyone Active, which runs the city’s leisure facilities on behalf of Sunderland City Council, has said their relaunch depends on their “commercial viability.”

A council spokesperson said in a statement: “As part of the joint venture between the city council and Everyone Active, we are working on a phased approach to reopening leisure facilities.

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“This is to ensure the safety of users and Raich Carter’s reopening is under review as part of this approach."

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A spokesperson for Everyone Active added: “Raich Carter Sports Centre, Houghton Sports and Leisure Centre and Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope will remain closed for the time being.

"We are currently working with Sunderland City Council to determine the reopening plans for the centre.

“These discussions are dependent on the feasibility of maintaining social distancing within the building and the commercial viability of its reopening.

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"We are working to reopen the centre as soon as possible and will keep customers informed of our plans accordingly.”

It added is considering making energy saving schemes and “minor improvements and decoration” to Sunderland Aquatic Centre when asked whether its plumbing system and changing room hair dryers would be updated, adding it was unable to confirm further details.

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