The scheme is funded entirely by the council, with Willmott Dixon aiming to hand over the keys to the centre in summer 2022.

When complete, it will support the health and wellbeing of local residents with a range of facilities that include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery, learner pool, spa facilities, four-court sports hall, 100 station fitness suite, plus a dedicated cycling studio and large fitness studios.

The plans also incorporate a new community services hub which will see the town’s library move back to its former home on Gas House Lane, a customer service centre and a new adult learning facility with classrooms for STEM learning and catering. 

"The creation of top-quality leisure facilities to encourage health and wellbeing are vital to help our communities thrive. Morpeth Leisure Centre will combine that with a new community services hub; space that will bring people together and create a fantastic learning environment,” said Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north.

The new sports complex will be run by Active Northumberland, the charitable trust that manages leisure services across the county on behalf of Northumberland County Council.