TWO sites have been agreed for new leisure centres as part of a multi-million-pound project.

Councillors agreed to select sites at Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland and the former civic centre site at Chester-le-Street for the new leisure centres.

A third site at St John’s Square, Seaham is to be investigated in more detail before a final decision is made.

The entire venture has been costed at up to £78m.

A report into the proposals was presented to a special Durham County Council cabinet meeting yesterday.

Sites proposed for new builds in March included Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, but “significant challenges” were since found with this site.

It was identified as a Gypsy Roma Traveller community temporary stop-over area, and a mine was found there with concerns over gas and contamination, according to the report.

Amy Harhoff, corporate director of regeneration, economy and growth, said the cumulative effect of these challenges posed a risk to the project.

She said: “When balanced against the significant challenges identified of the Tindale site, the preference is now for Woodhouse Close with the incorporation of a community hub within this building.”

A public consultation showed a preference for Woodhouse Close.

Ms Harhoff added there were no significant issues with Chester-le-Street and the report recommended to progress here.

And at Seaham, there were issues with loss of car parking and planning on a confined site.

It was recommended to carry out more detailed investigation here before a final decision can be made. A report is to be made to the cabinet in early 2022.

Tanya Tucker, speaking at the meeting, said the proposal to rebuild Woodhouse Close leisure centre on the existing site is “extremely welcome not only to myself but to residents of Bishop Auckland who for so long have had their voices ignored”.

Cllr James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, listed facilities such as swimming pools, children’s play, fitness suites, group exercise studios, food and drink, outdoor space, communal facilities and library provision.

“We are doing everything we can to expedite these much-needed investments and bring forward the health and well-being benefits from increased usage from these facilities,” he said.

“Leisure transformation is a priority of this cabinet, which is demonstrated by the commitment to commence the majority of £19.3m worth of refurbishments at the council’s 12 other facilities in 2022.”

He added the overall investment project was large, complex and may be subject to change.

He said more work would be needed before a finalised schedule, but residents would be regularly updated.

More refinement of the proposals is expected in 2022, with construction anticipated to start in 2023.

The refurbishment projects will also start next year.