On behalf of Durham County Council and Alliance Leisure, DPP secured unanimous approval at planning committee for a new Wellbeing and Community Hub in Bishop Auckland which will bring together leisure activities and library services.
The proposals will see the demolition of the existing Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex, including existing library, and the erection of a replacement Leisure and Community Centre and associated car parking and landscaping. The new facility will replace the current ageing buildings, which are more than 50 years old and no longer meets the needs of its users. Designed by GT3 Architects, the new building will provide a range of sport and community facilities, including swimming pools, gym, studios, community café, soft play, wellness hub and dedicated Library space. The new facility aims to be a place where you can be active physically and mentally, somewhere which provides opportunities to learn and develop, and a site to improve health, wellbeing and social interaction.
DPP prepared the detailed planning application, liaising with the wider design team to coordinate the supporting information required for the application. DPP also liaised closely with the LPA throughout the determination process to resolve any queries raised by consultees, resulting in no objections from consultees. The application was taken to planning committee with a positive recommendation and was subsequently approved unanimously by the planning committee.
Jo Robison, Director at DPP said:
The new facility will provide significantly enhanced high quality leisure and library facilities for the people of Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas and we are delighted to have secured approval for this scheme.
Image: Durham County Council
