The public has been invited to have its say on multi-million-pound "leisure transformation" plans for three centres in County Durham.
People can look at proposals to build two new leisure centres in Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street, and refurbish a third, the Louisa Centre in Stanley.
The two new centres are planned to replace buildings at the Woodhouse Close site in Bishop Auckland and the former Civic Centre site in Chester-le-Street, which are no longer deemed fit for purpose.
Planned features include two new pools with moveable floors and improved accessibility, state-of-the-art fitness suites, group exercise studios, wellbeing suites, sauna and steam rooms, squash courts, cafés, children's soft play and outdoor spaces.
It is proposed to move the two libraries at Woodhouse Close and Chester-le-Street into the new leisure centres with "community spaces to support the widest possible range of cultural activities for all ages".
Read more: County Durham’s leisure facilities costs and timescale fears
The Louisa Centre's refurbishment would include dividing the sports hall for a new clip and climb facility and a TAG active arena-based game, a dedicated space for wellbeing, group exercise and toning, and a new expanded soft play area and activity space.
The £78m plans are meant to promote and improve opportunities for exercise, provide more accessible and inclusive leisure facilities and improve residents' physical and mental health.
Users of all three sites, including clubs and groups, have been invited to share their views and help to develop the plans through online forms and drop-ins.
Read more: Durham leisure transformation plan to take step forward
Cllr James Rowlandson, the council's cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: "The current facilities at Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street have served their communities well for a long time, but they now need to be replaced.
"Doing this will help us meet current and future needs of residents, provide the right spaces for existing and new activities and support our people to live long, healthy and independent lives.
"As part of our plans to ensure that we offer a range of modern, well equipped, and welcoming facilities, we would urge all residents and users to share their views.
"Telling us what would encourage you to become more active more often, have fun and get moving more, will allow us to deliver the best possible facilities and activities for people of all ages and abilities."
People can fill in consultation forms online or attend drop-in sessions at Bishop Auckland leisure centre and library, and the Chester-le-Street and Louisa centres, starting on Monday (July 25).
They have until 5pm on Friday, August 12 to have their say on refurbishment plans for The Louisa Centre, and until 5pm on Friday, August 26 to share their views on new build plans for Bishop Auckland and Chester-le-Street.
The details of the consultation can be found on the council's website here.
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel