Chester-le-Street residents invited to have their say on Riverside Leisure Complex

Residents are being invited to view and have their say on proposals to transform the facilities at the Riverside Leisure Complex in Chester-le-Street.

A public conversation on plans for the Riverside Leisure Complex is the latest development of Durham County Council’s leisure transformation programme, which aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents, promoting physical activity and helping them to live long and independent lives.

Users of the Riverside, including clubs and groups, are being invited to get involved in developing the plans, which include two new 3G pitches, improvements to floodlighting, refurbishment of the athletics track and general renovations to the pavilion.

People have until 5pm on Friday 15 July to have their say on the plans. Face-to-face events, where people can find out more about the plans and provide feedback, will take place at the Riverside Complex from 4.30pm to 7.30pm every Wednesday from June 29 to July 13.

In November last year, the first phase of the Leisure Transformation Plans saw a large number of residents and leisure users give their views on proposals for Abbey, Peterlee, Spennymoor and Teesdale leisure centres. Their feedback is now being used to finalise detailed plans for improvements at the venues.

The council is planning more opportunities to provide feedback on proposals across its other leisure centres, which are due to be shared later this year.

Cllr James Rowlandson, Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, commented: “We want to ensure County Durham offers a range of modern, well equipped and welcoming leisure facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

“The plans for the Riverside Leisure Complex are one important part of our overall leisure transformation programme and will add new facilities, improve the existing offer, and help us to provide the best possible opportunities for physical activity for all.

“It is important, therefore, that residents and users give us their feedback, tell us what would encourage them to become more active, have fun, and get moving more, ultimately, improving their overall health.”