A NORTH-EAST leisure centre will open next month following an £18.5m refurbishment.

Work to transform Sixties-built Billingham Forum has now finished and will open to the public on Friday, June 3.

To mark the official opening there will be a three-day long series of taster sessions and entertainment on offer, including ice skating, badminton and the new play barn.

For more details visit teesactive.co.uk The revamp has included a swimming pool with the creation of an additional training pool, together with the retained learner pool, refurbished changing rooms, toilets and spectator areas.

The gym has been extended to offer an additional 30 health and fitness stations, making 70 in total. Changing facilities have been improved and a new dance studio has been created.

The ice rink has a new ice pad and an upgraded spectator area, toilets, and skate hire distribution point and changing facilities.

The indoor two-lane bowls court, four-court sports hall and two squash courts have also been improved.

An enhanced reception area with new cafe area has been built to allow a relaxed atmosphere.

Councillor Ken Lupton, leader of Stockton Borough Council, said: "It is fantastic to see Billingham Forum about to re-open its doors as this is a much loved sports and leisure facility for the people of Billingham, Stockton Borough and the wider region.

“The weekend of celebrations will allow people to come in and try out all the different sessions."

Steve Chaytor, managing director of Tees Active, which runs Billingham Forum, said: "There is real excitement in Billingham and among the staff of Tees Active at the re-opening of the forum.

“We believe this is a scheme that puts Billingham Forum in the premier division of leisure facilities."