State-of-the-art leisure centre for West Denton, Newcastle

Major demolition work is expected to start soon to make way for a new state-of-the art leisure centre in Newcastle, the Chronicle Live reports.

The new complex in West Denton will comprise a new swimming pool, sports hall and library. The facility will restore swimming provision to a part of the city that has been without it since the Outer West Pool was shut at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020. The project is mostly funded by a successful big to the government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF), the Chronicle Live said.

Electric vehicle charging points also feature in the plans.

The news service said there have been concerns about the deliverability of the projects because anticipated costs have already spiralled from the original £22.3m to £26m and its opening date pushed back.

The target date for the new centre’s completion is now December 2024, having been pushed back from summer 2024, the Chronicle said.

• For more on the plans of the new centre, visit here