A County Durham leisure centre is scheduled to reopen to the public next month with some new features and improved energy efficiency.

Durham County Council is currently working towards reopening Teesdale Leisure Centre to the public on Monday, November 18 after a series of renovation and essential maintenance works.

The reopened centre will have a refurbished reception area as well as some new features, including a soft play area and a Move Hub with power-assisted equipment for people who need support with movement.

After its successful introduction at Abbey Leisure Centre last year, the Move Hub has become an important addition to the council’s Leisure Transformation Programme.

(Image: Emily Carey)

The hub provides an introductory experience for residents looking to move more, including those starting or returning to exercise, recovering from an injury, or managing long term health conditions.

Updates have also been made to the centre’s pool, including the creation of a new changing village and improvements to its plant room and heating system to make it more efficient for the future.

The Barnard Castle site closed in February and it was hoped it could reopen in time for the school summer holidays.

However, Durham County Council confirmed progress was delayed “due to issues beyond our control”. 

Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment, and assets, said: “We are pleased to be close to reopening Teesdale Leisure Centre, which has been refurbished as part of our Leisure Transformation Programme.

“This has been a complex and challenging project to not only make improvements to facilities for customers but to carry out a lot of behind-the-scenes maintenance work.

"This includes completely transforming the centre’s heating and mechanical systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

“The refurbishment has allowed us to create some new features, such as the Move Hub, which is designed to help people start or return to exercise in a supportive and accessible way.

"We know the centre is highly valued by residents and we are looking forward to welcoming people back on opening day.”

For more information about Teesdale Leisure Centre and the council’s wider leisure offer, visit www.thriveleisure.co.uk