Councillors have granted planning permission for a new multi-million pound leisure centre in Hartlepool.
Members of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Planning Committee voted unanimously to approve plans for Highlight on The Waterfront, adjacent to the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
The venue will replace the town’s ageing Mill House Leisure Centre.
Designed by GT3 Architects, the proposed mix of facilities includes a 25m eight-lane main pool, a 25m four-lane learner pool with movable floor, a leisure pool including a race slide and water play features, spectator seating, changing areas, a 100-station fitness suite, two inter-connected fitness studios, an indoor cycling/spinning studio, active and soft play areas, a café, party rooms, an NHS consultation suite and external ground and first-floor terraces.
“This decision means we are now able to really push on with our plans. The building is going to look amazing and it will house a fantastic range of facilities for people of all ages,” said councillor Shane Moore, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council.
Now that planning permission has been granted, the process of appointing a main contractor to build Highlight will begin.