Green light for Hartlepool leisure centre

Hartlepool councillors have unanimously agreed a revised funding strategy for the town’s new state-of-the-art leisure centre, clearing the way for construction work to start in the coming weeks.

Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that councillors have supported the revised funding strategy which means that the residents of Hartlepool will now get the new leisure centre they deserve.

“It will be a fantastic development that will be an attraction in its own right and also complement other local visitor destinations, including the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, the Museum of Hartlepool and Hartlepool Marina.

“Although the additional investment is significant, the scheme will have major long-term benefits for Hartlepool and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to regenerating the town, raising aspirations and supporting improved health outcomes for local people.”

Wates Construction have already been appointed as main contractor to deliver the project in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

The original £25.65M budget for the leisure centre, known as Highlight, was developed in 2019, which allowed the project to progress through detailed design and obtain planning permission. Following three years of design, the projected cost of the facility is now estimated to be in the region of £34.6M.

The revised funding strategy comprises a mix of additional grant from Sport England, money released following a review of the Council’s Capital Programme, capital contingency funds held by the authority and borrowing.