FAQs
- January 2021 - GT3 Architects appointed.
- February 2022 - Sport England funding secured.
- July 2022 - Planning permission granted.
- March 2023 - Procurement of a principal contractor commenced.
- April 2023 - Wates Ltd appointed as principal contractor.
- September 2023 - Councillors approved revised funding package.
- November 2023 – the project formally commenced
- January - April 2024 – groundworks and piling work was completed
- May 2024 – construction of foundations work package currently being delivered
- A café.
- Soft play area.
- Children’s party space.
- Fitness, activity and dance studios.
- A gym.
- A 25m x eight-lane pool.
- A 25m four- lane pool with a moveable floor.
- A leisure pool including water play features.
- Externally accessible changing accommodation and storage – connecting Highlight to the marina and a public events space.
- Four NHS consultation suites.
Where are we at with the development of Highlight?
The project formally commenced in November 2023. Work is currently progressing on site, with the construction of foundations currently being completed. Highlight is scheduled to open to the public in autumn 2025.
How have we got to this point?
The timeline for the project to date is:
January 2020 - Hartlepool Borough Council agreed to explore/develop options for a new leisure centre.
What will Highlight offer?
Highlight will be a fully-accessible, modern, efficient and “green” wellbeing facility which will include:
Where will visitors park?
There will be 88 car parking spaces, 8 disabled car parking spaces, 2 electric charging points, 50 cycle spaces and the provision of 2 bus parking bays, adjacent to the outdoor changing facility, for use by school buses connected to school swimming. The car park will be “free of charge” for all users of the facility, with supplementary free car parking available nearby at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, if required.
Why are we building what we are?
Deciding upon Highlight’s facilities and the activities it should cater for was a thorough and robust process. This involved applying the Council’s Indoor Facilities & Playing Pitch Strategy and Sport England’s Strategic Outcomes Planning Model to the development and - as part of those processes - consultation with local people and organisations.
Highlight does not include an indoor sports hall, as strategic analysis has previously indicated that there is sufficient sports hall provision to meet local needs. We intend to refresh the Indoor Facility & Playing Pitch Strategy in early 2024 to ensure that we have a very clear and current understanding of the future demand for sports halls.
Highlight will not include spa facilities. Again, strategic analysis determined that this was not part of the optimal facility mix required for leisure in the town.
What are people going to be able to do there when it’s finished?
Highlight will be family-focussed and provide the opportunity for people of all ages to be active and to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Will Highlight be eco-friendly?
Highlight has been designed with climate net zero and operational budget sustainability in mind, whether by minimising energy use or by “designing-out” undue operating costs. This approach reflects the Council’s strategic stance.
In an independent report, analysis showed that Highlight’s energy consumption will be significantly better than the existing building stock of leisure centres in the UK. The gas load will be in line with the lowest 10% of typical buildings.
Why has the cost of the project increased?
Construction costs have increased due to factors outside the Council’s control, including inflation, the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry and increasing energy costs.
Additional funding required is being provided through additional Sport England grant, a review of Council capital funding allocations, contingency funds and borrowing. Due to the nature of the funding package, the construction costs will have no impact on residents’ Council Tax bills.
Where does the name “Highlight” come from?
The name was selected by a judging panel from a shortlist following a public competition in 2021. The panel agreed that Highlight was a fitting name for the new building, given its proximity to the existing Highlight memorial on The Waterfront.
What will happen to Mill House Leisure Centre?
Mill House Leisure Centre has been operating for over 50 years - long beyond its intended lifespan – and is coming to the end of its economic life. The centre will be demolished after Highlight is operational. The Mill House Leisure Centre site sits within the Hartlepool Development Corporation, plans for which continue to be developed.
What should I do if I’d like to work at Highlight?
There will be a range of job opportunities, including cleaning and catering roles, fitness instructors, coaches, lifeguards, swimming teachers and facility management. If you’re interested in joining the team or looking for support with training (i.e. as a lifeguard) contact us at active.hartlepool@hartlepool.gov.uk