The two year project, with design and project planning by JDDK Architects, was split into three phases to minimise disruption and keep the centre open to as many of the local community as possible but was severely affected by the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdown and social distancing restrictions.

The first phase of the scheme, the refurbishment of the swimming pool and changing facilities, was completed before the Coronavirus pandemic, opening in February 2020. The second phase included a new gym and fitness area, two new fitness studios, spa facilities, wet and dry changing rooms and new classrooms which will be used by the county council’s Learning & Skills Service to provide a range of learning opportunities for the local community.

The final phase of work has created a re-designed modern and welcoming reception area, soft play areas and extended cafe offer with linking corridors providing interesting spaces on the ground floor with a dedicated cycling studio and ‘party’ spaces to the first floor, again with curving corridor spaces.

“The whole project has been about improving the customer experience and extending the range of facilities on offer to the people of Blyth. In addition to purely sports facilities, the centre now offers a really attractive and luxurious centre for the community who can enjoy the space without visiting purely for sport,” said Nicky Hodgson, JDDK associate director and project architect.

Funded by Northumberland County Council, the refurbishment is part of a £65m countywide investment programme to upgrade and transform sport and leisure facilities which includes the building of new leisure centres in Berwick, Morpeth and Ponteland and major investment to refurbish and revitalise centres in Newbiggin and Hexham.