Update revealed on when Hartlepool's new Highlight leisure centre is expected to open
Council chiefs have confirmed Hartlepool’s new “really exciting” multi-million pound leisure centre is set to open to the public in spring next year.
Hartlepool Borough Council officers have given an update regarding the development of Highlight, which is currently under construction on the former Jackson’s Landing shopping mall site.
They noted the completion of the building, which is expected to cost up to £34.5m, is entering its “final phase” with the anticipated handover from lead contractor Wates Group to the council expected in spring 2026.
An exact date is yet to be agreed.
Following the handover to the council, an eight-week “transition and operationalisation plan” will be worked through to ensure the building can be fully opened to the public.
Officers noted this period will include “trialling and testing” every part of the space – with the likes of community groups, local authority employees and selected partners to be invited in for “live” sessions to act as “guinea pigs”.
The report to the latest meeting of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee concluded Highlight will be opening its doors to the public “in spring 2026” and there will be a “formal dignitary opening” in summer 2026.
Councillor Karen Oliver, chair of the panel, said the active wellbeing hub is a “fantastic facility” which will contribute towards tackling health issues in the borough.
She said: “With its position, the views are amazing and uplifting and I think it would be a very, very sorry state if we got the negativity because it doesn’t deserve that.
“This is about a holistic approach, this is about tackling the obesity that we’ve got, tackling mental health and wellbeing and I think this facility will be one to look at that.
“It’s really exciting and the people of Hartlepool need to get excited about this because it’s fabulous.”
Council officers added in terms of its location by the Marina that “it’s probably unique in the UK”.
Facilities within the new leisure centre will include a 25m eight-lane main pool, a 25m four-lane learner pool with movable floor and a leisure pool including race slide, water play features and spectator seating.
It will also house a 100-station gym, two inter-connected fitness studios, an indoor cycling and spinning studio, a cafe, party room, soft play areas and an NHS consultation suite.