Haltwhistle pool future buoyed by investment

A Northumberland leisure centre could receive a £1.1 million upgrade to safeguard its future and modernise ageing pool equipment.

Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre, which attracts around 140,000 visitors each year, is set to benefit from improvements under proposals being considered by Northumberland County Council’s cabinet on September 8.

The centre features three heated outdoor pools alongside a sports hall, gym and fitness studio, and is operated by a charitable organisation serving Haltwhistle and the surrounding rural communities.

However, elements of its pool plant infrastructure date back to the original installation in 1975, with key systems becoming increasingly costly and difficult to maintain.

Without the improvements, ageing equipment could increasingly lead to failures, service disruption, reduced operational capacity and higher maintenance costs.

The proposed £1.1 million investment would bring the pool machinery up to modern standards, helping secure the centre’s long-term operation and safeguard jobs.

Centre manager Maxine Wilson said: “I am proud to see this planned vital investment in Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre.  

“These improvements would not only ensure the continued safety and reliability of our facilities but will also help us deliver an even better experience for the thousands of visitors and local residents who rely on us for health, wellbeing, and community spirit. 

“This would be a significant step forward in securing the future of our centre, and I look forward to welcoming everyone to a revitalised facility.”

Haltwhistle county councillor Rachel Mathieson added: “We’re pleased to be working on our Borderlands Place Programme for the town, with this being one of the first steps. 

“Haltwhistle has so much to offer and I look forward to more investment and further improvements being delivered in the near future.” 

Alan Sharp, county councillor and chair of Haltwhistle Town Council and chair of Haltwhistle Swimming and Leisure Centre, who has served on its committee for over 30 years, added: “I’m so pleased to see proposals coming forward to help safeguard the future of this great facility in the town.  

“Over three decades I’ve been committed to supporting and promoting the pools for the benefit of the local community and visitors. 

“The pool has been a focal point in the town for many years and the plant machinery now needs a substantial amount of money to ensure it is brought up to modern reliable and efficient standards.”

Funding would come through the Borderlands Place Programme, with the leisure centre forming part of the Haltwhistle Borderlands Town Investment Plan.

Haltwhistle is one of seven Northumberland towns benefiting from the ten-year, £21 million regeneration programme.

Subject to approval, work is expected to begin by the end of 2026 and be completed by spring 2027.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for regeneration at Northumberland County Council, added: “Subject to cabinet approval, this will be the first phase of major investment in the leisure centre and the town’s ambitions to be the active centre of Britain. 

“This is a very well-known and well-loved attraction in the heart of the town, with nothing like it for miles around, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and employing over 20 people. 

“This would be a key investment in the far west of the county and an important attraction for both visitors and the wider rural community to have access to.” 

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