The reopening of a County Durham swimming pool has been delayed. 

Teesdale Leisure Centre is due to open in the autumn once maintenance and redevelopment work are complete. 

The Barnard Castle site closed in February and hoped to be open in time for the school summer holidays.

However, Durham County Council confirmed progress has been delayed “due to issues beyond our control”. 

Teesdale Leisure Centre is due to open in the autumn once maintenance and redevelopment work are complete. Teesdale Leisure Centre is due to open in the autumn once maintenance and redevelopment work are complete. (Image: Thrive Active)

It was hoped the swimming pool would reopen during the summer holidays and the rest of the leisure centre later in the year. 

A new soft play area is being built on-site alongside an upgraded reception area, a new changing village, and an updated pool heating system. 

Ben Kelsey, senior manager for projects and performance at Durham County Council, said: “Work is progressing well on the refurbishment of Teesdale Leisure Centre, with the transformation of the children’s play area almost complete and the creation of the new Move Hub well underway. 

“We are also updating the changing facilities and giving the rest of the site a refresh, with work fully on track for the centre to reopen in autumn as planned.

“We had hoped that maintenance work to the pool would be complete by the summer, allowing it to open ahead of the rest of the centre. However, due to issues beyond our control, this has not been possible.

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“We are now confident that it will be reopen in the autumn along with the rest of the centre and look forward to welcoming customers back.”

The leisure centre redevelopment is one of many around the region, as the council progresses plans to improve facilities in County Durham. 

A new complex including a swimming pool, gym, and library will be built in Bishop Auckland.