Leisure centres to benefit from £750,000 boost

A NUMBER of leisure centres in Gateshead are set to benefit from a £750,000 boost after a new operator promised significant investment.

- DAVID HUNTLEY

Last year, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) was appointed by Gateshead Council to run its centres in Heworth, Dunston, Blaydon, and Gateshead International Stadium. A signing of the 10-year deal, with an option to extend for a further five, marked the conclusion of a controversial reshaping of the town’s leisure services.

GLL took over the running of the leisure centres on April 1 this year, and plans are already in place to enhance the experience for visitors. Investment of £750,000 has been allocated by GLL to overhaul the gyms, with work set to begin by the end of May at Gateshead International Stadium and in July at the other three centres.

All health and fitness equipment in the gyms at the four centres will be replaced with state-of-the-art Techno-gym machines including treadmills, exercise bikes, elliptical trainers, chest presses, cable stations benches and weights. The interior of the gyms themselves will also be refurbished and redecorated. Investment of £118,000 has been earmarked for a new soft play area and cafe with seating for up to 60 at the Stadium that will open in autumn, with a new family offer planned for Heworth to replace the existing flow rider in early 2026.