Architects appointed to design multi-million pound flagship Hartlepool marina leisure centre

Hartlepool Council Leader Cllr Shane Moore on The Waterfront site. Phase one of the redevelopment of a linear park was runner up in the Pedestrian Environment category at the 2020 LocalGov Street Design Awards.

GT3 Architects draw up plans for Hartlepool Borough Council’s flagship development to replace Mill House Leisure Centre on the former Jackson’s Landing site, renamed The Waterfront.

It will feature a range of facilities, including three swimming pools a multi-station fitness suite, a flexible space for multi-activities and a refreshments area.

Councillor Shane Moore, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The appointment of a company of the calibre of GT3 Architects to design the new leisure centre is fantastic news.

The new development is planned to replace the Mill House Leisure Centre.

“We look forward to working closely with them to create a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs and aspirations of local people.”

The council says GT3 have a proven track record of working on similar leisure facilities and have some of the UK’s leading design experts in sport and leisure.

It adds the architects will undertake extensive engagement exercises with stakeholders and the public to help shape the plans and create a design that fully serves the local community.

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GT3 Architects director Simon Dunstan said: “The Waterfront has been such an exciting project to be involved in over the last few years and we’re excited to take it to the next stage with the introduction of the new leisure centre.

"This ambitious project will create an exciting new leisure and community destination for the region and support the ongoing regeneration of the town.

“We want the new leisure centre to go beyond the standard gym, studio classes and fitness facilities.

"Our ambition is to create a unique waterfront destination, designed for the people of Hartlepool, with a real focus on health, wellbeing, and inclusivity.

"The marina setting offers plenty of scope for outdoor fitness, as well as a spectacular backdrop to any indoor activities, so there are lots of opportunities for our design team to work with and be inspired by.”

The council has said the Mill House Leisure Centre, in Raby Road, has outlived its lifespan and is no longer fit for purpose.

But a number of Hartlepool businessmen have backed a petition started by local licensee association chairman Darab Rezai urging the council to build an ‘iconic’ multi-purpose facility on the site.

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