The sites in Seaham, Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland will support the county's economic recovery from the pandemic, regenerate local communities and improve the physical and mental health of residents.

The new build centres are part of the council’s multi-million-pound leisure transformation programme, which aims to develop innovative services in a sustainable way, positively impact on communities and better meet the needs of residents and visitors.

In addition to the new leisure centres, the programme will see facilities refreshed at current leisure centres and the introduction of new activities to reflect changing trends. The plans aim to improve the physical and mental health of residents, helping them to live long and independent lives and provide long-term benefits to communities across the county..

"The new leisure centres will transform communities and transform lives. As well as helping to regenerate Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street and Seaham, the programme will create benefits to the wider area and provide much needed support to our economic recovery, particularly with a wider programme of activities on offer and more accessible leisure facilities across the county,” says Cllr Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration.

"The pandemic has highlighted to us all how important it is to stay healthy and active, for our mental wellbeing as much as our physical health. Our new and improved leisure offer will help people to achieve that, through improved fitness and through facilities that help communities come together and interact with each other."