Hartlepool Council in the UK has chosen construction company Wates Group to work on a new multimillion-pound leisure centre, Highlight Leisure Centre.

Before the commencement of groundworks in January 2024, which will involve the construction of the new building’s foundations, the preliminary site works and the discharge of planning conditions are taking place.

Highlight’s amenities will include three pools, as well as a gym, fitness, dance, and activity studios, a soft play area, a children’s party space, a café, and substantial outdoor areas.

Highlight is scheduled to open at The Waterfront in late 2025 and will replace the town’s existing Mill House Leisure Centre.

Hartlepool Council leader and councillor Mike Young said: “A lot of hard work has been required over a lengthy period of time to reach this point, but the council has never wavered in its determination to proceed with this scheme and make it happen.

“It is going to be a truly eye-catching building with a range of fantastic facilities. There will be a real focus on family fun and it will provide so many benefits for residents of Hartlepool, whilst also attracting visitors from further afield.”

GT3 Architects designed this facility in partnership with the council’s in-house team.

Wates Construction - Yorkshire & North East regional director David Wingfield said: “We’re committed to ensuring benefits are felt by the wider region beyond the fantastic new facilities that are being created, and we’re working in close partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council and our supply chain to create new jobs and education opportunities, as well as supporting community initiatives throughout construction.”