New or better leisure centres could be lined up for Seaham, Peterlee and more under proposals

Peterlee Leisure Centre is among those to be given a new look under plans by Durham County Council.

Durham County Council is proposing to transform leisure provision across its area, with plans to create more modern, innovative services which better meet the needs of residents and vistors.

It is hoped the plans will get more people to join in exercise, improving the overall health and wellbeing of the population.

The proposals would see the council investing £62.8million in transforming services across all 15 of the county’s leisure centres.

Included in the proposal is to:

:: Replace the existing, outdated Seaham Leisure Centre with a new purpose-built facility, as well as the one in Woodhouse Close, Chester-le-Street. Feasibility studies would be carried out before any decisions were made on the design and location of any new buildings.

*Refurbish Peterlee Leisure Centre, as well as Abbey and Freeman’s Quay centres in Durham, with new equipment to be installed.

:: At the Riverside in Chester-le-Street, in partnership with Durham County Football Association, Durham County Cricket Club, Park View Academy and the Football Foundation, develop the site and increase coaching opportunities.

Councillor Carl Marshall, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “Our proposed programme of transformation represents a massive investment in leisure over the coming years and reflects our desire to be at the forefront of changing trends in leisure provision.

“Reviewing our current offer has shown that there are significant opportunities for us to increase participation in physical activity by providing a more vibrant, cost-effective service that better meets customers’ expectations.

“We’re confident that our planned programme of investment will reinvigorate leisure services across the county and secure their place at the heart of our communities for many years to come.”

The proposals will be discussed by the council’s Cabinet when it meets at County Hall on Wednesday, January 15.

They also include:

:: The introduction of new activities and a “refreshed look” for Consett; Newton Aycliffe; Wolsingham; and Teesdale.

:: Refurbishment and new equipment for the Louisa Centre in Stanley and Spennymoor’s centre

:: Retain facilities and create greater links with other services within the local community for those in Meadowfield and Shildon.