Concerns over future of Chester-le-Street leisure centre

A new complex at the former Civic Centre site Chester-le-Street was announced last year as part of Durham County Council's plans to improve facilities across the region. 

But after inviting the public to have their say on the proposal last July, local councillors now fear the plans have hit the buffers due to a lack of progress. Labour members say the coalition currently running the council, made up of Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Independent members, have warned that the plans will be reviewed later this year, as further cuts to services are required. 

Labour has condemned the approach, labelling it a betrayal of the residents of the town and accused the coalition of dragging their feet, as investment could be pulled altogether. 

Cllr Alison Batey, shadow cabinet member for leisure and culture said: “Over the past two years the coalition has caused nothing but confusion, anger and disappointment for residents across Chester-le-Street. Under this council, the views of residents have been ignored and at the same time, groups using council facilities feel that they have been led down the garden path.”

The former Civic Centre in Chester-le-Street. (Image: The Northern Echo)

The local authority also announced its multi-million ambition to create a new leisure centre in Bishop Auckland, while also improving facilities in Stanley. The proposal details plans to move the libraries in both towns into the new centres to create multi-use community spaces. 

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But Cllr Batey says Chester-le-Street has missed out on much-needed council investment. “This should have been good news about positive investment for Chester-le-Street, but is just a series of missed opportunities for our town,” she added. “We are being left behind without any improvements to leisure provision while other areas are benefiting from significant refurbishment or even new-built facilities in some cases.

“There is a feeling of betrayal that Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and their supporters have dragged their feet for two years and now look set to withdraw investment altogether.”

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Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham added: “Residents in Chester-le-Street are paying the price for two years of dithering and delay. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and many Independents are showing their true colours with decisions like this.

“Chester-le-Street is in desperate need of a new leisure centre and along with local councillors this is something I will be campaigning on until Chester-le-Street gets the investment and the facilities we need."

In response, cllr James Rowlandson, on behalf of the Joint Administration of Durham County Council, said officers have been analysing feedback from residents to help create the best scheme possible, but admits it faces funding challenges which could affect its outcome.

“Everyone in the Joint Administration of Durham County Council is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents as a core priority. This includes the delivery of our leisure transformation programme, along with a range of wider investments. For leisure, our focus is on providing services throughout the county that allow people of all ages and from every background to have good health, and to live long and independent lives.

“Following extended additional consultation for Chester-le-Street at the request of local members, including Cllr Batey, we have been analysing the public feedback that we received, so that we create the right mix of opportunities, based on the community’s needs.

“In continuing to engage on and develop our programme, it’s a stark reality that we have also been affected by national and international financial pressures which have impacted the affordability of major capital programmes. Quite rightly, we are giving careful consideration to the plans for Chester-le-Street, so that we can provide a sustainable service which meets the need of our residents. A full review is underway and a report is expected be discussed at Cabinet in autumn 2023.”