Work starts on £1.9m refurbishment of Newbiggin Sports & Community Centre
Construction work is now underway to refurbish and remodel Newbiggin Sports and Community Centre.Architect Howarth Litchfield will be responsible for architecture and interior design while Brims Construction (Brims) has been appointed building contractor.
The £1.9m Northumberland County Council funded scheme will include a new and improved sporting offer and a community hub.
The ground floor gym area will be refurbished and reconfigured to provide a dedicated cycling/spinning studio while the first floor will be converted into a new gym area with weights and state-of-the-art cardio equipment.
In addition, the three squash courts and viewing gallery will be refurbished and the six-court sports hall upgraded.
There will be new and improved changing facilities that will be available for sport and community use, including changing places that are designed to be fully accessible for those with additional needs.
A new, modern and welcoming reception area, a library and the creation of a community café and hub area will provide a community focal point for events and workshops.
Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said:
“This major refurbishment and upgrade work will breathe new life into the centre and provide a modern and much improved social and sporting experience for the local community.
“I am pleased such rapid progress is being made on this scheme, and the start of work on site means we are one step closer to bringing these fantastic new facilities to the local community.”
Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for Northumberland Communities Together said:
“As well as the sporting offer the centre will offer a vibrant community hub for social groups, activities and skills workshops. There will be a library area, a café and a welcoming social space for local people to access a range of services and support. I am sure it will become a much loved and valued focal point for this community which will help people feel more connected.”
Explaining the extent of the interior refurbishment and the design approach taken, Neil Turner, director of Howarth Litchfield, said:
“We are developing a new, open plan community hub with modern library resources breathing new life and vibrancy into a tired, existing building.
“The hub will provide modern facilities by creating an inviting and relaxing interior with the smart use of contemporary finishes, integrated furniture and flexible units.
“A modern ceiling with integrated functional and feature LED lighting will further improve this dynamic space. The toilet provision to this area will also receive a complete overhaul with modern finishes, fixtures and fittings.
“The remaining community areas will receive a decorative refresh further enhanced with replacement LED lights, while the central entrance will be re-focused and the changing area completely remodelled to provide an uplifting, fully inclusive facility to energise and enthuse any sports enthusiast.”
Richard Wood, of Brims, added: “We are pleased to be working with Howarth Litchfield on this project as we work well together.
“On this occasion, the job is split into three building sections with additional work to the sports pitches.
“We are fortunate that we have been given vacant possession of the building by the Council, which has made progress fairly straightforward.”
Article by Northumberland County Council 20th January 2022
