Update revealed on when Hartlepool’s new Highlight leisure centre is expected to open.
Council bosses have confirmed that Hartlepool’s new “really exciting” multi-million-pound leisure centre will open to the public in the spring of next year.
Hartlepool Borough Council staff have provided an update on the development of Highlight, which is now under built on the former Jackson’s Landing shopping mall site.
They added that the building, which is likely to cost up to £34.5 million, is in its “final phase,” with the lead contractor Wates Group due to hand over to the council in spring 2026.
An exact date is yet to be agreed.
Following the handover to the council, an eight-week “transition and operationalisation plan” will be implemented to guarantee that the building is fully accessible to the public.
Officers stated that this stage will include “trialling and testing” every aspect of the space, with community groups, local authority staff, and selected partners being called in for “live” sessions to act as “guinea pigs”.
Highlight will open to the public “in spring 2026” and will have a “formal dignitary opening” in summer 2026, according to a report to the council’s housing, growth, and communities committee’s most recent meeting.
Councillor Karen Oliver, chair of the panel, described the active wellbeing hub as a “fantastic facility” that will help address health issues in the borough.
“This is about taking a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity, mental health, and well-being, and I believe this institution will be one to look into.
“It’s really exciting and the people of Hartlepool need to get excited about this because it’s fabulous.” Council staff stated that “it’s probably unique in the UK” due to its proximity to the Marina.
She stated: “With its position, the views are magnificent and encouraging, and I think it would be a very, very sorry situation if we received hatred since it does not deserve it.
The new leisure complex will have three pools: a 25m eight-lane main pool, a 25m four-lane learner pool with movable floor, and a leisure pool with a race slide, water play attractions, and spectator seats.
The facility will also have a 100-station gym, two interconnected training studios, an indoor cycling and spinning studio, a cafe, a party room, soft play spaces, and an NHS consultation suite.
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