A major £17m renovation of Billingham Forum, Stockton-on-Tees, has reached a milestone following the completion of internal infrastructure work and exterior improvements.

Stockton Council's bid to transform the 1960s venue into a new sports and leisure complex has encountered delays due to the poor weather conditions earlier this year and the removal of asbestos. Warwickshire-based contractor Morgan Sindall is four months behind schedule with the project as a result of the delays, although it is now hoped that Billingham Forum will be able to reopen in spring 2011.

A six-lane, 25m swimming pool with a new training pool and retained learner pool will be among the facilities at the complex, along with an extended 70-station gym and an upgraded ice rink. Improvements to Billingham Forum's theatre area, the four-court sports hall, two squash courts and reception area also form part of the project, as well as the creation of a children's play barn and function room.

The redevelopment has also been designed to 'future proof' the venue for at least 30 years; five more years than originally anticipated, which has included the installation of a heating control system. Stockton Council cabinet member for transport and regeneration Bob Cook said: "With improvement schemes of this kind where you are refurbishing an existing building and bringing it up to new, modern standards, the hard work really starts on the inside.

"This can be complex and often uncovers structural issues that were not always foreseen. The contractors have faced challenges at the start of this project but are continuing to work hard and we are delighted to see that the Forum's transformation is really starting to take shape."