Reopening of renovated Barnard Castle leisure center delayed

The reopening of a renovated leisure center has been delayed due to “complicated” maintenance work.

Durham County Council said it had upgraded the heating system at Teesdale Leisure Center in Barnard Castle to make it more energy efficient.

The refurbished center will also feature a new soft play area and a gym with power equipment for people who need support after returning to exercise or recovering from an injury.

The city council said the centre, which closed in February and was due to reopen in October, would now open its doors on November 18.

James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “This has been a complex and challenging project not only to deliver facility improvements for customers but also to carry out a large amount of maintenance work between backstage.

“This includes completely transforming the centre’s heating and mechanical systems to improve the building’s energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”