Stand-alone leisure centre and hospital confirmed for Berwick

Northumberland County Council today confirmed that they will build a stand-alone leisure centre in Berwick, separate to the planned new hospital.

Councillor Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said:

“The feedback from the people of Berwick is clear - they don’t want a co-located site - and we’re acting on that.

“We’re fully committed to making sure Berwick gets the very best, and I have promised that the County Council will build a brand new state of the art leisure facility on the Swan Centre site. We will keep our promise, and continue to listen to our residents through the planning stages.”

This announcement replaces previous plans for a joint site. Integrated and coordinated working will proceed where appropriate, but all the services will not be co-located on one site.

This followed strong representations by the three Berwick county councillors and the wider community. Following requests by the three local councillors, additional investment is also being considered for a potential extra care development alongside the new hospital. This would support provision of services to vulnerable and older people in Berwick.

Peter Jackson added: “After 50 years of inaction in Berwick, there will be £45 million invested in the town – our own investment of £20 million in a brand new state of the art leisure centre, and £25 million has been passed onto the Northumbria Healthcare Trust.”