As consumers continue to increase their spending on leisure pursuits, numerous local authorities are entering into partnerships with bodies as a means of improving the offering in their towns and cities.
This has been the case in Cramlington, where Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council have teamed up to modernise the town’s Concordia Leisure Centre in order to provide a greater choice for local families.
The £3.5 million project is due to begin in September of this year, and has been split into three phases so as to keep disruption at the centre to a minimum. During the first phase, the existing sports hall will be divided to create a themed four storey soft play zone for children of all ages and a new Clip ‘n Climb wall will be installed, while the gym will be refurbished to include state of the art equipment.
Following the completion of phase 1 in December, a dedicated spinning studio will be created, providing space for more than 100 spinning machines.
In addition, a tenpin bowling alley will be introduced to the centre, and a new spa will offer a wider variety of treatment choices – this work, along with a revamp of the bar and catering area, will be completed by April 2016.
Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture at Northumberland County Council, Councillor Val Tyler, believes that the improvements to the centre will boost the health of the local population.
She says; “We recognise that there is an increasing demand for improved facilities at Concordia and the refurbishment will make the centre fit for the 21st century.
“Health and wellbeing is hugely important and the modernised centre will give residents and visitors a much better space and new opportunities to be more active.”
The third and final phase of the renovation works will take place from March to June 2016, and will largely concern the relocation of Cramlington Library to the leisure centre.
The foyer and entrance of the centre will be revamped and the ground and first floor office spaces will be converted into a fully functioning library, creating an area which will prove pivotal in integrating leisure pursuits with the local tourism and culture offerings.
Kathy Graham, local ward councillor, hopes that the changes made at Concordia Leisure Centre will benefit both local residents and businesses in the surrounding area.
She says; “The new bowling alley in Concordia will be a great addition to the town and will complement the excellent facilities and shops in the centre.
“The integration of the library is part of Northumberland County Council’s plan to co-locate services to make them more accessible and to invest in its most important buildings to make the best use of them.”
Do you think more towns should be examining ways of integrating leisure and cultural initiatives as a means of engaging consumers?
