Berwick Leisure Centre

Sister project to Morpeth Leisure Centre, using a similar brief, budget, programme and team to deliver a very different facility.

A small border town, Berwick’s local economy relies on tourism, and increasing economic footfall was a driving force in our facility mix. Our design objectives were to create a distinctive landmark facility which provides a community hub for locals, and a vibrant destination facility to encourage visitors.

Operating a phased approach which enabled existing facilities to remain generating income throughout the build, our new destination facility has been purposefully positioned by the town’s main access route. Its unique gold cladding, living walls, and glass frontage acts as a beacon to invite tourists in from the South.

Wet facilities include integrated race slides, a large in-pool play structure with drench bucket and splash pad zone with interactive water spray play items, plus a 25m 5-lane lap pool. Dryside, there is a 4-court sports hall, 100 station fitness suite and multiple studios.

At the top level of the facility a glowing box contains a 4 rink indoor bowls hall to ensure the local bowls club have a home, adjacent to a flexible adult care/learning zone with views across the river mouth towards the old town beyond.

Externally there is a 3G floodlit football pitch to improve the local football facilities, trim trail and children’s play park.