Approval recommended for job-creating leisure centre plans

Plans for a new leisure and community centre in Morpeth, which could create more than 100 jobs during construction, are recommended for approval at a meeting next week.Under the proposals, developed by Northumberland County Council, a new facility would be constructed on the site of a former library on Gas House Lane.The proposed development would feature a six-lane pool, learner pool, spectator gallery, spa facilities, a sports hall, a gym/fitness suite, a café area, soft play area, as well as a library, customer services and adult learning services.It has been estimated that the proposed development would create 111 direct construction jobs. This has the potential to create a one-off benefit of £4.6m in wage value during the construction period. The construction phase is also estimated to create 168 indirect jobs through local supply chains.The new facility would replace the current Riverside Centre, which is no longer considered fit for purpose.The application will be discussed by Northumberland County Council’s Strategic Planning Committee at a remote meeting on 2 June 2020. A report prepared for the meeting recommends that planning permission is granted subject to conditions.The application site is situated on a 2.7-acre plot and is bound by the River Wansbeck to the south and to the north by Gas House Lane. It currently comprises an informal surface car park.The application had been scheduled for discussion by the committee in March but was subsequently withdrawn from the agenda.