Published June 05, 2025 9.15am

A contractor has been appointed to create a brand-new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland, with work to start this summer. We have appointed Morgan Sindall to carry out work on the new-build site, which will be located next to Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre on the site of the current Woodhouse Close Library.

The new building will create a community hub bringing both the leisure services and the library together in one place, supporting health, wellbeing, education, and skills all under one roof. It will include two accessible swimming pools, a sauna and steam room. There will also be a modern gym with the latest equipment and technology, alongside two new purpose-built group exercise spaces. A Move Hub will be created with power-assisted equipment for people who need support to improve strength and mobility, including those recovering from health conditions. And there will be the addition of a new soft play centre and café alongside the library, creating a place for families, friends, and the whole community.

Cllr Joe Quinn, our Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “We are delighted to soon begin work on the new leisure centre for Bishop Auckland following the appointment of the contractor. The project is part of our leisure transformation programme to modernise leisure facilities across the county as well as our ongoing regeneration of the town.

“The new venue will bring leisure and library services together in a single, modern site with new features to make our services accessible to all ages and abilities and support community wellbeing.”

Library closure
While Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre will remain open, Woodhouse Close Library is closing from Saturday 7 June as part of works beginning. A click and collect library service will be available within Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre during the ongoing works. Users will be able to access the full range of services at all other libraries with the nearest at Bishop Auckland Town Hall, followed by Shildon and Coundon library venues.

The new leisure centre is being funded by us, with a contribution of £2.75m from Sport England.