A SEARCH to identify the best site for a new £20m leisure and community centre in a former pit town has been narrowed down to two potential locations.
Land at the old Ashington Hospital and the town’s redundant Asda supermarket site have been shortlisted for the flagship multi-purpose building – which could incorporate a sports centre, swimming pool, library and other public facilities.
They have been selected by council bosses after detailed examination of a number of possible locations – which also included the town’s existing leisure centre in Institute Road, Ashington High School, the Church of England Academy main campus, land next to the Hirst Welfare complex and the former Ashington Learning Park site.
Now local people and organisations are to be consulted about which of the two sites should get the nod – and what range of services the new centre should include. They have been chosen because of their town centre locations and the impact they will have on wider regeneration efforts.
Two years ago, a storm of protest erupted when Ashington’s ageing leisure centre was threatened with closure by the county council. A campaign supported by local sports stars Steve and Ben Harmison, Jack Charlton and golfer Kenneth Ferrie brought a change of heart – and five months ago, the council’s Liberal Democrat executive agreed to find up to £20m to build a replacement facility.
It is now hoped that the new building will boast leisure facilities, including a pool, gym and studio space; a library service; registrars’ office; a county council information and advice centre; a cafe and meeting space. There could also be a doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, learning and skills opportunities, workshops and other sporting activities.
From next Monday, questionnaires will be available for residents and businesses in Ashington to give their views on the best location for the facility, and what services it should contain. The consultation will run for eight weeks.
Yesterday Coun Neil Bradbury, county council executive member for customer services and culture, said: “We want to see Ashington getting the high quality facilities it deserves. We are proposing to invest £20m in this new facility, but to make the project the best it can be, we need the ideas and opinions of local people.”
Town councillor Andy McGregor, who chairs the Ashington Community Development Trust, said: “We recognise that the promise of up to £20m in investment by the county council is a once in a generation opportunity. As a town councillor I am personally delighted the county have found the funds to invest in Ashington.”
Questionnaires will be distributed to local homes and businesses, and will also be available in public places, and via the county council’s website. Four public drop-in sessions are also planned.
