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Last of five new centres in Gateshead gets go-ahead
Plans to develop a new leisure centre in Heworth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, have been given the go-ahead by Gateshead Council.
The facility is the last of five new centres to be approved as part of the council's £29m Building an Active Future programme, designed to improve the communities health by ensuring access to quality facilities. Plans for the Heworth centre have been referred to the Government Office North East for final approval, but if completed, could feature a 25m, four-lane swimming pool, a learner pool, a FlowRider surfing and body-boarding attraction, a fitness suite and a boxing gym. There will also be outdoor changing rooms and a multi-purpose room.
If approved, construction work is expected to begin this summer with the view of being completed in winter 2010. The facility is being built on vacant land opposite Heworth Grange Comprehensive School and, once open, will replace the existing but ageing Felling Pool. Other centres to benefit from the programme include the new Gateshead Leisure Centre, a pre-training camp for London 2012 Olympics, which has closed to undergo a year-long redevelopment; as well as centres in Blaydon, Dunston and Birtley.
When complete the Gateshead centre will boast a new spectator and viewing area, a café, a 650sq m gym and changing areas. The existing swimming pool will be refurbished and a teaching pool will be added as well as a poolside sauna and steamroom, two fitness studios and a children's party room. The new Blaydon Pool will feature a six-lane, 25m pool and a separate learner pool, a gym and changing rooms. While the Birtley Pool will include a new multi-purpose room, an additional learner pool and teaching pool as well as an improved spectator area.
The Dunston facility will offer a 230sq m gym, a poolside sauna and steamroom, a 100sq m junior gym and changing rooms. Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: "We want Gateshead to become an example of an active and healthy society but we recognise that the only way to do that is by creating facilities and opportunities that people want to use. This massive investment by Gateshead Council will go a long way to achieving that aim." Details: gateshead.gov.uk/buildinganactivefuture
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