£3.5m Extension to Splash in Stockton
Stockton Council has approved, in principle, the building of a new £3.5 million extension to Splash in the heart of the town. It will mean facilities at the ageing Stockton Sports Centre and the town's Splash complex will be brought together under one roof on Church Road.
Since it’s opening in 2001, Splash has been a huge success with residents and visitors alike, benefiting from an excellent central location, modern facilities and direct access to public transport.
Funded entirely by Tees Active, it will now be extended to incorporate:
- A larger Activ8 fitness studio
- More changing room facilities
- A specialist children's play barn
- Two new multi-activity spaces
- A four court sports hall
- A new café
- A specialist treatment area for health service activities such as a back care clinic and outpatients physiotherapy.
Steve Chaytor, Managing Director of Tees Active who manage all of the Borough's leisure facilities said: "Having consulted with user groups and individuals to find out their thoughts most agreed it's time to move forward and create a state-of-the-art facility fit for the 21st Century. "It is sad that the Stockton Sports Centre will be closing but it is at the end of its natural lifespan and further investment is unviable. Splash will be a showcase facility we can all enjoy for years and years to come."
All activities in the Stockton Sports Centre, except squash and the once-per week skateboarding session, will be accommodated in the new facility. No groups will be left without facilities and many have already been successfully re-located to alternative centres and school complexes across the Borough. The four grass football pitches, which are some of the best playing surfaces in the Borough, will remain and new changing facilities provided.
Councilor Jean O'Donnell, the Council's Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture added: "We are clearly committed to bridging health inequalities in the Borough and realise that the extension at Splash will support that. A full package of family leisure and health and fitness programmes will run under one roof making access easier for all."
Tees Active who manage both centres will consult with customers, user groups and local residents to ensure they are kept fully informed of proposals. Detailed plans will now be drawn up and will be put on public display in Splash, inviting comments.
Stockton Sports Centre will remain open in the immediate future. Plans for the new facility are subject to planning consent. It is currently scheduled to open late summer 2008.
For more information on activities at both Splash and Stockton Sports Centre please visit new.teesactivelimited.co.uk.