(Image: Hartlepool Borough Council)
The North East's newest multi-million pound leisure centre is celebrating its official launch with a day of family fun and entertainment.
Despite already being open, Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub will welcome the public on Saturday, August 15, for a full day of free activities, entertainment, and a chance to explore the state-of-the-art facility.
The event, running from 11am to 5pm, will include indoor and outdoor activities, live music, water-based displays, and taster sessions for visitors of all ages.
One of the new pools
(Image: Active Hartlepool)
Graham Harrison, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: "Highlight is a landmark development which represents one of our most significant investments in the health, wellbeing and quality of life of local residents.
"It is a fantastic facility which reflects our ambition for the town, supports healthier and more active lifestyles and provides a welcoming space where families, friends and communities can come together.
"The official opening is a moment to celebrate what has been achieved to date and to recognise the positive difference Highlight will make to the lives of local people for generations to come."
A time capsule was buried on the site during construction earlier this year.
(Image: Tom Banks)
Located at The Waterfront in Hartlepool Marina, the hub replaces the former Mill House Leisure Centre and has already recorded 82,235 visits since it began operating in June.
It offers three swimming pools - including a leisure pool with water play features and a race slide - a 100-station gym, fitness suites, a spinning studio, and a children's soft play area.
The centre also includes consultation rooms for NHS clinics, delivered through a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and University Hospitals Tees.
The project was jointly funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Sport England.
The leisure pool with water play features and a race slide
(Image: Hartlepool Borough Council)
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "I’m proud we’ve helped fund this project.
"Highlight is already proving a success and shows what can be achieved when we invest in getting things done to make the town a better place to live, work and visit."
Saturday’s event will include live music, dance performances, street theatre, and water-based activities in Jackson Dock.
Some activities, including climbing, swimming, and soft play, require advance booking via the Active Hartlepool app or website and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water activities, delivered by On Water, will include beginner stand-up paddleboard sessions.
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Councillor Harrison said: "The official opening event offers residents and visitors a chance to celebrate not only a remarkable new facility, but also a significant milestone in Hartlepool's continuing regeneration and investment in healthier, more active communities."
Construction of the hub began in January 2024, led by Wates and designed by GT3 Architects in collaboration with the council’s in-house team.
The building rises dramatically from west to east, creating a new visual landmark with panoramic views of the North Sea.