North East leisure and library complex expected to open next year

A new £28.9 million leisure and library centre is being built in Bishop Auckland on the former Woodhouse Close Library site, with the leisure facility expected to open in summer 2027 and further landscaping and parking planned for early winter 2027.

A new leisure and library facility is being built in Bishop Auckland on the site of the former Woodhouse Close Library. The council says the project has a budget of about £28.9 million and will combine swimming, gym, a Move Hub and community spaces under one roof. Construction work moved forward after a ground-breaking ceremony in September 2025, though the scheme experienced earlier setbacks. Elected members are due to consider the council's proposals at a committee meeting next week. Project details: - The scheme is reported at £28.9 million and has secured £2.75 million in backing from Sport England. - Delivery is planned in two stages: the leisure facility is expected to open in summer 2027, with additional parking provision and wider landscaping works scheduled for early winter 2027. - The redevelopment received initial approval in November 2023 but was delayed after a previously engaged contractor entered administration and a large mains gas pipe was found outside its planned location, requiring safe diversion and causing a minor programme delay. - Durham County Council described on-site progress since the September 2025 ground-breaking as positive and stated the cost impact of the gas pipe issue is manageable within the overall project budget and contingencies. Summary: The project will bring combined leisure and library services to Bishop Auckland and forms part of the council's Leisure Transformation Programme. The next formal step is a committee session next week to consider the authority's proposals. The council reports that the leisure element is expected in summer 2027 and that remaining site works are planned for early winter 2027.