Working in consultation with Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, the ambitious proposals aim to bring leisure provision in line with the needs of a modern day community.

As part of the plans, outdated facilities in Seaham, Chester-le-Street and Bishop Auckland are proposed to be replaced by new multi-facility provisions, with modernisation proposals also approved at several other leisure facilities across the county.

In addition, facility provision and programming across Durham will undergo a full review.

“We have already been very successful in introducing pioneering new ways to get active at our leisure centres. It's important that we build on this by continuing to follow changing tastes and trends in the leisure industry if we are to increase participation in physical activity in the county and provide people with the type of services they want,” says Cllr Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration. 

The council will work with residents and centre users to decide how services should look before finalising any plans for its leisure centres.