DPP’s project at Morpeth Leisure Centre secures two more awards – winning the prestigious 2024 national RICS National Award for Community Benefit and ukactive’s New Build of the Year
After being shortlisted for several awards this year, and winning ‘Project of the Year’ at RTPI’s North East Planning Excellence Awards, it’s an honour to see the project recognised at a national level for its innovative design and its positive impact on the community. These awards highlight that Morpeth Leisure Centre is more than just a building – it’s a space that enhances health, well-being, and community connections. Morpeth Leisure Centre was built with people and community at its core, and we’re incredibly proud to see it celebrated on multiple fronts.
The Morpeth Sports and Leisure Centre stands as an excellent example of the effectiveness of collaboration, prioritising community-centered design to achieve remarkable results. Through the combined efforts of Northumberland County Council, Advance Northumberland, GT3 Architects, DPP Planning, and Willmott Dixon, this facility sets a new standard for public sector buildings. It seamlessly integrates sport, leisure, and community amenities, library, banking and adult learning to enrich the heart of Morpeth and offer a truly inclusive space for all. Since its opening in 2023, the increase in community users and level of new participants in sport has been astounding.
The success of the project has already been recognised in the Design Excellence Award at the North East Property Awards earlier this year as well as the regional winner of the RTPI Award. The project is also shortlisted as a national finalist in the Royal Town Planning Institute National Awards next month.
Speaking about the Awards Jo Robison, Director of DPP’s Newcastle office and project lead said:
We are absolutely delighted to pick up more awards for this fantastic project and so pleased that is now receiving national recognition. It was a complex project but is now a transformational facility both for the health and wellbeing of the residents that use it, but also as a focus for the community and a draw into the town. I am proud of the role DPP played in delivering this project and it is amazing to see the extent of positive change the building is delivering for the health and wellbeing of the whole community.
Images: Advance Northumberland / GT3 / Kristin McCluskie
