Work starts on Bishop Auckland leisure centre

Construction has begun on a new leisure centre and library in Bishop Auckland.

An official ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of the project, which will see two existing facilities – Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre and Woodhouse Close Library – replaced with a modern community hub.

When complete, the new venue will feature two accessible swimming pools, a large health club with a gym floor and two group exercise studios, a Move Hub with power-assisted equipment, a sauna and steam room, soft play centre and a café. There will also be a fully integrated library space.

Enabling works have been ongoing since the summer to prepare the site, which included the demolition of Woodhouse Close Library. The council has appointed Morgan Sindall to carry out the work. The project is funded by Durham County Council – which owns the facility – with a £2.75 million contribution from Sport England. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.

Councillor Joe Quinn, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “This project is being delivered as part of our Leisure Transformation Programme through which we have been creating modern and accessible facilities across our towns to encourage more residents to engage with leisure activities and live healthier lives. The new centre also supports our wider ambition to build better communities and thriving towns through the provision of up-to-date facilities.”