Councillors reaffirm support for new leisure centre

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Finance and Policy Committee have given their backing to a package of funding and recommended that it be approved by Full Council at a meeting on 28th September.

Full Council approval will allow construction work to start on site at The Waterfront by November.

Wates Construction, a leader in the sport and leisure sector nationally, have already been appointed as main contractor to deliver the project in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

The original £25.65m budget for Highlight was developed in 2019/20, which allowed the project to progress through detailed design and obtain planning permission. Following three years of design, the projected cost of the facility is estimated to be in the region of £34.65m primarily due to a range of factors outside the Council’s control, including the impact of the Covid pandemic on the construction industry, the impact of inflation on the costs of materials and increasing energy costs.

The revised funding strategy comprises a mix of additional grant from Sport England, money released following a review of the Council’s Capital Programme, capital contingency funds held by the authority and borrowing.

Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Whilst the additional investment is significant, Highlight will have major long-term benefits for Hartlepool and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to regenerating the town, raising aspirations and supporting improved health outcomes for local people.

“Not proceeding at this stage is not an option as it would result in the loss of time and money already invested, the potential loss of Sport England funding and significant reputational damage to the Council given the level of public and stakeholder support for the project. The majority of funding for this scheme has been secured externally at no cost to Hartlepool residents and so the facility still represents good value for money for Hartlepool.”

Highlight will replace the town’s ageing Mill House Leisure Centre which opened in 1972. It has been designed by GT3 Architects and its facility mix will meet the demand for existing and future provision, safeguarding leisure facilities here in Hartlepool.