Highlight pools pass stabilisation tests

The three concrete swimming pool tanks inside the building on The Waterfront have all passed their stabilisation tests, managed by lead contractor Wates.

The purpose of the tests was to check the structural integrity of the concrete to ensure there were no water leaks.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Every time I visit Highlight it has come on in leaps and bounds. It is already looking fantastic and when it is finished it is going to be an amazing asset for the Borough.

“The completion of the stabilisation tests is another key milestone on the road to completion and it is really exciting to see the excellent progress that is being made.”

Councillor Brenda Harrison with Kristian Kerr from Wates beside one of the pools during testing

In line with the sustainable ethos of the Highlight project, over 70% of the water used in the tests was recycled by transferring it between the main pool, the learner pool and the leisure pool during the testing period before it was then used on other parts of the project where possible.

David Wingfield, Managing Director for Construction East at Wates, said: “The swimming facilities at Highlight will be some of the most exciting features for the Hartlepool community and the pools being stabilised is a huge milestone in our construction programme.

“Our teams worked hard to ensure we managed the testing period as sustainably as possible with a carefully designed recycling system, and its success is testament to the hard work of all our delivery teams and local supply chain. We’re now focussed on finalising the pools, and the rest of the scheme, as we look to hand over at the end of the year.”

Following the completion of the tests, tiling of the pools will shortly commence which will really bring the vision for the borough’s new pool scene to life.

Practical completion of Highlight which is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England, is scheduled for the end of this year followed by a phased hand over of services from Mill House Leisure Centre. The building will open to the public in early 2026.

The active wellbeing hub’s facilities will include:

• A 25-metre eight-lane main pool, a 25-metre four-lane learner pool with movable floor and a leisure pool, including a race slide and water play features.
• A spectator viewing gallery.
• A 100-station gym.
• Two inter-connected fitness studios.
• An indoor cycling/spinning studio.
• Active and soft play areas and a party room.
• A café with seating for 100 covers.
• Four NHS consultation suites.
• External ground and first-floor terraces.
• External activity and events spaces.