A BRAND-NEW £21m mixed-use leisure scheme has opened its doors in the historic market town of Morpeth, Northumberland – marking the advent of a new model of leisure scheme for the UK, which combines sport and leisure with community facilities in a high street setting.
Morpeth Sports & Leisure Centre was designed by GT3 Architects and constructed by Willmott Dixon. It was funded by Northumberland County Council and delivered by Advance Northumberland – the development arm of the county council.
After being awarded planning permission during the pandemic – one first schemes given the go ahead via virtual planning committee meeting – construction started in Autumn 2020, with the doors opening to the local community in April 2023.
Paul Reed, director and sports and leisure lead at GT3 Architects, has spearheaded the design from inception to completion. He said: “Inclusivity is at the heart of this project and that’s what makes it so different. With the modern high street in decline, this facility offers the unique opportunity to not only provide sports and leisure but a central place for residents to gather, learn and socialise – a true community hub that complements the nearby town centre offering.
“We identified three key themes during our work with Advance Northumberland: connectivity with the existing high street, a facility locals can call their own and be proud of, and providing a diverse range of uses to suit the local context. Understanding and delving into the regional context not only influenced how the architecture interacts with its surroundings on an aesthetic level, but it also helps the building to contribute to the wider local picture – encouraging inward investment opportunities, the creation of happier and healthier communities, as well as supporting ongoing regeneration and sustainability targets.
“We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the team delivering this cornerstone facility, which the entire area will benefit from for years to come.”
Located on Gas House Lane, at the edge of the town centre conservation area and sitting beside the River Wansbeck, the impactful facility acts as a bookend to the high street. The centre incorporates a new community services hub, which includes a double height community library, a customer service centre, plus a brand-new adult learning facility with classrooms for a number of courses.
There is also a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, flexible learner pool, spa facilities, a variety of fitness spaces, a multi-use sports hall and large studio space designed to hold community events and a café, with connections to a poetry garden and outdoor terraces that act as an important social space for families and tourists alike.
Nick Corrigan, North East director for Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to help deliver such an exciting and important facility, one that we think the people of Morpeth will be proud of, for generations to come.”
The complex is now open and run by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that manages leisure services across the county on behalf of Northumberland County Council.
For further information visit www.gt3architects.com or join the conversation over on Twitter @_GT3Architects