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Home Bishop Auckland Leisure and Library Community Hub

About Bishop Auckland Leisure and Library Community Hub

A transformational development is underway to build a modern, sustainable leisure and wellbeing centre for the Bishop Auckland community. Located next to the current Woodhouse Close site, this new hub will offer inclusive, state-of-the-art facilities including swimming pools, a gym, studio spaces, a soft play area, café, and a new library; all under one roof.

This flagship project by Durham County Council is part of a wider thrive transformation programme and aims to promote healthier, more active lifestyles while supporting regeneration in the area.

Development Overview

Planning & Location:

  • Planning approved in June 2023 and formally agreed November 2023.
  • Site located next to Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex in Bishop Auckland.

Key Facilities:

    • 25m main swimming pool.
    • 20m learner pool.
    • State-of-the-art gym and accessible “Move Hub”.
    • Group fitness studios.
    • Sauna and steam rooms.
    • Children’s soft play area.
    • Café and community garden.
    • Brand new integrated public library.

    Timeline:

    • Enabling works began: April 2025
    • Main build: Summer 2025
    • Completion/opening: Expected late 2027.

    Sustainability:

    • BREEAM “Very Good” standard
    • Fully electric heating using air-source heat pumps

Project Partners

Working in partnership with:

  • Durham County Council – Project owner and strategic leader, managing delivery and public benefit outcomes.
  • Sport England – Investment partner with closely aligning priorities about wellbeing and physical activity improving living standards and connecting communities.
  • Alliance Leisure – Lead development partner via the UK Leisure Framework; advising on delivery, operations, and commercial strategy.
  • GT3 Architects – Designers of the new leisure hub, known for inclusive and community-led leisure facility architecture.
  • Morgan Sindall Construction – Principal contractor for the build, committed to sustainable construction and local employment.
  • DPP Planning – Planning consultants who secured permissions and advised on planning strategy.
  • Axiom Project Services – Project managers ensuring the build meets milestones, regulations, and quality standards.

 

Closing Note: Each partner plays a vital role in ensuring the new Bishop Auckland Leisure Hub becomes a community asset supporting health, wellbeing, and regeneration in County Durham

    Bishop Auckland Leisure and Library Community Hub