Major upgrade planned for Newbiggin Sports & Community Centre
A scheme to upgrade Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre has been given the green light after County Councillors agreed to fund the work.
This week the council’s cabinet agreed to £1.5 million of funding to refurbish the centre and remodel internal parts of the building to improve existing facilities.
Plans include the relocation of the library within the centre, the creation of a community cafe and improved changing facilities including those for outdoor sports. They also include the creation of a dedicated spinning studio, the re-covering of the sports hall floor, the refurbishment of the squash courts, including the refurbishment of a viewing gallery and the centre will be redecorated throughout.
There is also a plan to provide changing facilities for adults with additional needs or older children who need privacy and space and a new reception offer including self-service options.
Full designs will now be worked up so that contractors can be appointed. Work is expected to start in the New Year and be finished by Summer 2021.
Leader of Northumberland County Council Peter Jackson said: “This council is investing massively in assets for the community right across the county to upgrade provision so that our residents have accessible, enjoyable and modern facilities they really love using.”
Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for arts, leisure, culture and tourism said: “This major refurbishment and upgrade work will breathe new life into the centre and provide a modern and much improved experience for the local community.”
The centre has two external full sized football pitches that are used by Newbiggin AFC and a number of other local teams. Options for funding for playing pitch improvements will continue to be developed in collaboration with local football clubs and the Football Foundation.
Town Chairman Alan Thompson commented on this news “This is avery important step forward in the plan to improve the qulity of life for all of the people of Newbiggin by the Sea and all who visit us”.
