Concordia Leisure centre reopens following £3.1m redevelopment

Concordia Leisure Center in Cramlington, Northumberland, has reopened to the public following a £3.1m redevelopment and upgrading of its fitness facilities.

The extension to the gym includes more than 100 new pieces of equipment supplied by Technogym and the introduction of a large functional training area.

A new group cycling studio has also been added, featuring 25 Keiser bikes on a tiered layout.

The studio will be “fully interactive”, featuring virtual instructors as well as traditional cycling classes.

The upgrade of the health club is part of a larger transformation which has seen the centre – which first opened in the 1970s – being transformed into a modern leisure hub with a number of new activities.

A new ten lane tenpin bowling facility has been built on the first floor adjacent to the bar and the centre now also houses a new luxury day spa and the region’s only clip ‘n’ climb facility.

The facility’s existing sports hall has also been divided in two, with one half unchanged, housing four courts for badminton and football. The other features a themed four-storey ‘GO WILD at the Zoo’ soft play area for children of all ages from babies to early teens.

Councillor Val Tyler, cabinet member for leisure at Northumberland County Council, said: “The developments in Cramlington are part of a scheme to create a modern leisure space that appeals to families and individuals and promotes health and well-being.

“The Clip 'n Climb, for example, is a new leisure facility which is suitable for all ages, and provides healthy and challenging fun for all the family and it is a great way to get active.

“The council is facing £58m of government cuts over the next four years, and we are trying to protect frontline services. The leisure centre has been in need of some major investment and I am sure that our residents and visitors will not be disappointed, once they’ve visited Concordia and tried out some of our new facilities."

The works – designed by Newcastle-based architects, JDDK – were funded by Northumberland County Council and Active Northumberland – the leisure trust which operates the centre on behalf of the council.