Blaydon, Dunston and Heworth leisure centres, as well as Gateshead International Stadium, will join the Better group of leisure facilities next year.

We're excited to confirm that we'll be partnering with charitable social enterprise GLL from 1 April 2025, following agreement of a 10 year contract with the option to extend for a further five years.

GLL is the charitable social enterprise behind the Better group of leisure, fitness and cultural activities and facilities. They have a strong track record of working with local councils to operate more than 240 modern and cost-effective sports and leisure centres that attract over 57 million visits a year.

They have exciting plans to improve our sites by updating gym equipment, swimming pools, technology and more, whilst making sure Gateshead residents can continue to access affordable and good quality leisure facilities.

They will also deliver an activity programme from community venues and manage tennis courts in Derwent, Chopwell and Marley Hill parks, which are due to reopen in the Spring following refurbishment funded by the Lawn Tennis Association.

GLL will continue to work with the groups that currently use the facilities regularly, including Gateshead College and Gateshead FC, swimming clubs and others.

We're working with GLL to prepare for the transfer and we'll contact you with more information soon, including what this means for your membership and new activities available from next year.

In the meantime, our leisure centres are open as usual.

With Gateshead Leisure Centre and Birtley Community Pool now operated by community groups and the upcoming partnership with GLL, we're so pleased that the review of the council's leisure services has reached a positive outcome for our customers and staff.

We know how much our leisure centres and the stadium mean to our communities and we really appreciate your patience and support.