The wait is over - work starting on Billingham Forum

WORK on the £15 million refurbishment of Billingham Forum starts this month, creating a modern, state-of-the-art leisure facility.

Construction company, Morgan Ashurst, which has local offices in Belmont Business Park, Durham, are carrying out the works which will see the Forum close for 18 months from June 30.

Stockton Council and Tees Active Ltd have worked together to produce a revised programme of activities at locations across Billingham and the wider Borough for the duration of the Forum closure.

As well as replacing many existing activities, a programme of new events is also planned.

The newly refurbished Forum will not only retain, but also improve and enhance all of the building's most popular facilities.

The refurbishment plans include:

• A swimming pool (6 x 25m) with the creation of an additional training pool together with the retained learner pool. Refurbished changing rooms, toilets and spectator areas  
  
• The gym will be extended to offer an additional 30 health and fitness stations making 70 in total. Changing facilities will be improved and a new dance studio provided
  
• Structural improvements will be carried out to the theatre area and it will benefit from enhanced entrance and hospitality areas
  
• The ice rink is to benefit from a new ice pad and an upgrading of the spectator area, toilets, and skate hire distribution point and changing facilities
  
• The indoor two lane bowls court will be improved, as will the four court sports hall and two squash courts
  
• A more stylish and enhanced reception area with new central café area in a glazed atrium is to be created, allowing visitors to the Forum to relax and enjoy their surroundings including bespoke art works in a dedicated exhibition space.
  
• A children's play barn plus catering and function room

Essential works will also be carried out to the structure, mechanics and electrics of the building to ensure the building is protected for the next 25 years. This is alongside refurbishment work to enhance and modernize the exterior face of the Forum.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: "The countdown really does start now for the start of this major refurbishment of what is a hugely popular facility at the heart of Billingham.

"Stockton Council and Tees Active are committed to the ongoing regeneration of our Town Centres and facilities and this joint £15 million investment will create a leisure facility for future generations.

"While there will be some impact to user groups, we have put together a great programme of activities at alternative locations."

Full details of the revised programme of activities can be found in the July issue of Stockton News magazine, at www.teesactive.co.uk and www.stockton.gov.uk/newlookforum

Visitors to Billingham are advised the Forum and the car park will be closed from 11pm on 30 June for the duration of the works. Alternative car parking can be found off Kingsway, Billingham.

This multi million refurbishment follows on from work carried out by Stockton Council to transform the nearby John Whitehead Park. Investment of around £500,000 saw the Park upgraded, new play facilities created along with a sensory garden and café.

http://www.stockton.gov.uk/pressoffice/

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