Since its opening in June last year, the £13m award-winning facility has become an integral part of the local community.
Since opening there have been over 221,000 leisure admissions and 2,367 new leisure memberships. Book loans have increased by 31 per cent compared to the same period in the old building, the number of new library lenders has more than doubled and there has been a staggering 369 per cent increase in people logging on to the public computers.
Cllr Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “Hebburn Central is not only a first-class leisure facility but an important community and social venue which is having a real impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.
“It has been very well received by local people and has exceeded all expectations in terms of footfall and membership.
“It has become a popular and vibrant attraction, drawing a customer base not only from South Tyneside but from neighbouring towns and cities.”
The venue has received recognition for both its architectural design and its role in the community, winning the Royal Institute of British Architects North East Award 2016 and Building Project of the Year in the Constructing Excellence in the North East awards; and a ‘Special Award For Community Impact and Engagement’ in the Civic Trust Awards.
It has also been shortlisted in this year’s British Construction Industry Awards in the Building Project of the Year (£10m to £50m) category.
Hebburn Central includes a six-lane swimming pool, a learner pool with bubble pools, sauna and steam room, fitness suite, sports hall, dance studio, soft play area, library and cafe, as well as meeting rooms, a customer service centre, local police help point and an outdoor multi-use games area.
Schools, community and specialist groups are all taking advantage of the facilities, with activities such as Baby Bounce, Story Tots, a disability reading group, and arts and craft classes all taking place on a weekly basis.
Local people also have access to nutritional advice, physical activity classes, support to stop smoking and free health checks as part of the Change4Life programme.
Councillor Kerr will present the report at a meeting of full council on July 28.