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£350,000 boost for Northumberland swimming pool project
Sport England has contributed £350,000 to a £9.5m swimming pool development at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham, Northumberland.
The scheme includes a six-lane, 25m pool, a smaller studio pool and a new fitness gym, as well as repairs and improvements to the existing leisure centre.
Judith Rasmussen, Sport England North East’s regional director, said: “The Regional Sports Board was pleased to support the development of a new pool in Hexham alongside the existing facilities at Wentworth Leisure Centre, which will bring together the sporting facilities in the town to one central area.”
Leisure Tynedale will operate the new development and will be working with the local council in order to “prepare sports development plans and to identify ways in which use by priority groups within the community will be encouraged”.
The development, designed by GLR Architects, has been on the cards since a feasibility study was carried out in 2004 and a planning application for the project is being submitted. Work is expected to start in January next year, with minor preparation work during November and December. Details: www.tynedale.gov.uk
Photograph: David Thompson, chair of Leisure Tynedale; Dennis Nattrass, head of investment, Sport England North East; Geoff Cant, manager, Wentworth Leisure Centre; Councillor John Herron, leader of Tynedale Council; Vic Howey, leisure and cultural services officer, Tynedale Council.