Almost £2m to improve Cramlington's leisure facilities

Northumberland County Council's cabinet approved almost £2 million to upgrade leisure facilities in Cramlington, funding a new 3G football pitch and car park at Northburn Community Centre and a rebuilt skate park at Alexandra Park.

Northumberland County Council's cabinet has agreed to spend almost £2 million on improvements to leisure facilities in Cramlington. The package includes a new 3G football pitch and car park at Northburn Community Centre and a rebuilt skate park at Alexandra Park. Council members discussed the changes as responses to a shortage of quality pitches and the need to modernise a popular youth space. The council also reallocated some funds after alternative funding was found for a previously planned Dementia Garden. Key details: - The combined programme totals nearly £2 million for two projects in Cramlington. - The Northburn Community Centre scheme is budgeted at £1.5 million, including a £1.1 million grant from the Football Foundation, £350,000 from the council and £50,000 from Cramlington United Football Club. - The Alexandra Park skate park redevelopment is budgeted at £350,000 and will be fully funded by the council after around £200,000 was released from earlier Dementia Garden funding. - Councillors said the Northburn upgrade aims to address a shortage of good-quality football pitches and noted the centre's value for users, including people with autism. - The skate park project will be delivered by Cramlington Town Council and the new design is intended to include ramps for both beginners and more skilled users. - Both schemes were unanimously approved by the county council cabinet. Summary: The cabinet's unanimous decision secures funding and delivery arrangements for two leisure upgrades that officials reported respond to local demand and facility needs. The Northburn project combines grant and local contributions while the skate park is council-funded and will be delivered by Cramlington Town Council. Timetables for construction or opening were not announced. Undetermined at this time.