Member Article

New mayor and gold medal swimmer to open £13m Hebburn facility

Hebburn Central, the town’s new £13m community facility, has announced it will open its doors to the public on Monday June 15.

The new Mayor, Councillor Richard Porthouse, and Paralympic gold medal-winning swimmer Josef Craig will open the £13m facility and unveil a plaque.

Mayor of South Tyneside and local Hebburn councillor, Richard Porthouse, said: “Hebburn Central is a key element of the town’s transformation and I am delighted and proud to be able to open it.

Construction of the building was completed as scheduled this week, and there will now be a period of commissioning, testing and cleaning ahead of the public opening.

The two-storey building includes a six-lane swimming pool, a learner pool with bubble pools, sauna and steam room, fitness suite, sports hall, dance studio, soft play area, library, learning centre and cafe, as well as meeting rooms, a customer service centre and an outdoor multi-use games area.

“This fantastic new building is the result of a long-standing aim to give residents facilities fit for the 21st century and it is going to become a real focal point for local people of all ages.

“This is a very exciting moment for the town centre and one which heralds the beginning of a vibrant new future for Hebburn.

“I’d encourage residents to come along on the opening day and be one of the first to take a dip in our fantastic new pools or try out the facilities in the fitness suite, join one of our library groups or simply have a look around!”

Cllr Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “Hebburn Central will not only serve as a first-class leisure facility but an important community and social venue that will help to enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.

“It will bring together a number of different services under one roof. People will be able drop in for a coffee or to exercise, children can enjoy the soft play and community groups can hold regular meetings. I am sure local people are eagerly awaiting their first look inside.”

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