A new £44m complex combining Consett Academy with a new leisure centre which will be shared by students and the public is now up and running.

Financed by Durham County Council, the two venues occupy a new single building designed by Seymour Harris Architecture which is located in the heart of Consett on the town’s former football ground.

As a shared building, the leisure centre and academy have their own distinct main entrances at either end of the building, while internally they are separated by secure lockdown doors. Although the public and academy students and staff use the building concurrently, they are separated at all times.

“Significant expertise and effort has gone into the careful design and development of this new concept, ensuring a high quality and sustainable facility is developed to meet the needs of all those involved and local residents,” said Steve Howell, head of culture and sport at Durham County Council.

Consett Leisure Centre, which replaces the neighbouring Belle Vue Leisure Centre and swimming pool, is being managed by Leisureworks – the region’s trust for sport and the arts.

Facilities at the new centre include the largest pool provision in County Durham with a 25m (82ft), six lane pool and a 20 x 8.5m (66 x 28ft) pool, both with moveable floors; an interactive slide; and splash water features.

On the fitness side, facilities include a 600sq m (6,458sq ft) gym operated by Lifestyle Fitness on behalf of Leisureworks. The gym contains Technogym CV stations, Star Trac indoor cycling bikes, plus resistance equipment and free weights from Gym80, as well as a functional training rig from Queenax, which is now part of the Precor product portfolio.

In addition to two consultation rooms and dedicated changing facilities, there are three exercise studios, which host a variety of classes including the new Good to Glow class from fitness personality Katie Bulmer-Cooke.

The centre also features three glass-backed squash courts, with a moveable wall for larger spaces as required, as well as an eight-court sports hall for badminton, football, gymnastics and other indoor sports. Outside facilities include a 4G pitch and a multi-use games area for netball, football, basketball and other sports. A sprint track for jump and sprint practice is due to open early next year.