Hartlepool's new multi-million pound Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub is set to host a gala opening celebration packed with family fun, live entertainment and exciting activities on land and water.
The free public event from 11am-5pm on Saturday (15 August) will mark the official opening of the flagship facility, which has proved a huge success since welcoming its first customers in June.
Highlight, built at The Waterfront in Hartlepool marina to replace the former Mill house Leisure Centre, has already had 82,235 visits, underlining its enormous popularity.
As well as offering a range of high-quality sport, fitness and leisure facilities, it also has a dedicated suite of consultation rooms from which NHS clinics are delivered through a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and University Hospitals Tees, ensuring vital healthcare services are available in the heart of the community.
Highlight has been funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England.
Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub
Councillor Graham Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Highlight is a landmark development which represents one of our most significant investments in the health, wellbeing and quality of life of local residents.
“It is a fantastic facility which reflects our ambition for the town, supports healthier and more active lifestyles and provides a welcoming space where families, friends and communities can come together. The official opening is a moment to celebrate what has been achieved to date and to recognise the positive difference Highlight will make to the lives of local people for generations to come.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m proud we’ve helped fund this project. Highlight is already proving a success and shows what can be achieved when we invest in getting things done to make the town a better place to live, work and visit.
“There’s progress on the waterfront and we’re making strides in building on the town’s cultural and film-making strengths. If we want Hartlepool to grow, and become the cultural capital we know it can be, we need people to be healthy, active and enjoying where they live.
“Highlight is already playing its part – and it’s great to see so many people already through the doors.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director, Partnerships and Place, Sport England, said: "Great facilities change lives, and Highlight has all the ingredients to do exactly that. As Hartlepool's Place Expansion Partnership gathers pace, this fantastic new hub gives people more reasons to be active, more ways to improve their health and more opportunities to be part of a thriving community. That's exactly the kind of impact Sport England wants to see and the reason we backed this project."
The official opening event promises a festival atmosphere, with entertainment taking place on an outside stage on the concourse, water-based displays and activities in neighbouring Jackson Dock and a range of indoor taster sessions showcasing Highlight's outstanding facilities.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience everything the impressive new hub has to offer, including its three swimming pools -including a leisure pool featuring water play attractions and a race slide, a 100-station gym, dedicated spinning studio, fitness suites and children's soft play area.
A number of free taster sessions will be available on the day. These will need to be booked in advance and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Bookings will be taken from 5am on Thursday (13 August). Bookings can be made via the Active Hartlepool app, online at https://activehartlepool.gladstonego.cloud/book or in person at Highlight.
The entertainment programme will feature live music, dance performances, a brass band and colourful street theatre performances throughout the day.
.Activities will also be taking place on the water thanks to the partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council's Active Hartlepool service and On Water, part of Hartlepool Marina Ltd. These will include stand-up paddleboard sessions for beginners and those looking to build on their skills. To book or for more information call (01429) 452321, email info@onwater-training.com or go to www.facebook.com/OnWaterTraining
Construction work on Highlight, led by principal contractor Wates, began in January 2024. Designed by GT3 Architects alongside Hartlepool Borough Council's in-house design team, the striking building rises dramatically from west to east, creating a distinctive landmark and providing breathtaking panoramic views across the North Sea.
Councillor Harrison added: “The official opening event offers residents and visitors a chance to celebrate not only a remarkable new facility, but also a significant milestone in Hartlepool's continuing regeneration and investment in healthier, more active communities.”