Start on site for Morgan Sindall at West Denton leisure centre
Spades are finally in the ground at the much-delayed project, which was originally due to complete in 2024.
The former West Denton pool shut during COVID and never reopened. Demolition started in November 2023 and since then the site has been cordoned off.
The new centre has been designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, and is backed by £19.8m in Levelling Up Fund support.
The facility is to include an eight-lane 25m pool, fitness studio, gym, and café, as well as a new library.
Original contractor Willmott Dixon stood down from the project in 2023, amid escalating costs.
WD had completed pre-construction and enabling works, but with price inflation hitting the industry hard, concluded that it could not deliver the scheme for the £26m originally estimated.
Accepting that costs would inevitably increase, Newcastle City Council launched a search for a new construction partner in September 2023, naming Morgan Sindall in July 2024.
The project has received a further £2.5m investment from Sport England’s Strategic Facilities Fund, with the local authority itself pledging to plug the £7.15m shortfall to make the scheme happen through community infrastructure levy receipts and prudential borrowing.
West Denton Cllr Alex Hay said: “The project was delayed and costs rose, but the council never wavered in its commitment to seeing this come to fruition.
“It’s the first council owned leisure centre and pool to be built in Newcastle for 26 years so it’s quite a moment.”
Alex Isted, area director for Morgan Sindall North East and Cumbria, said: “Our team is looking forward to the next stage as we bring this important asset to life for all stakeholders.”
