WORK on the multi-million pound refurbishment of Billingham Forum will begin tomorrow.

Construction company, Morgan Ashurst, are carrying out the work which will see the leisure facility closed for 18 months.

Stockton Council and Tees Active Ltd have worked together to produce a revised programme of activities at locations across Billingham and the Stockton borough.

The revamp will include a swimming pool, an additional training pool together with the retained learner pool.

Also in the project, changing rooms, toilets and spectator areas will be refurbished.

The gym will be extended to offer an additional 30 health and fitness stations, making 70 in total. Changing facilities will be improved and a dance studio provided.

Structural improvements will be carried out to the theatre area and it will benefit from an improved entranceway.

The skating rink will be give a new ice pad and the spectator area will be upgraded, as will toilets and the skate hire distribution point and changing facilities.

The indoor two-lane bowls court will be improved, as will the four-court sports hall and two squash courts.

A more stylish and enhanced reception area, with new central cafe area in a glazed atrium, is to be created, allowing visitors to the forum to relax and enjoy their surroundings, including bespoke artworks, in a dedicated exhibition space.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: "The countdown really does start now for the start of this major refurbishment of what is a hugely popular facility at the heart of Billingham.

"While there will be some impact to user groups, we have put together a great programme of activities at alternative locations."

Full details of the revised programme of activities can be found in the at www.teesactive.co.uk and www.stockton.gov.uk/newlookforum