Saturday’s free public event marked the official opening of the flagship facility, which has already proved a huge success since welcoming its first customers in June.
Highlight, built on The Waterfront in Hartlepool Marina to replace the former Mill house Leisure Centre, has already had 82,235 visits – underlining its enormous popularity.
As well as offering a range of high-quality sport, fitness and leisure facilities, the hub also has a dedicated suite of consultation rooms from which NHS clinics are delivered through a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and University Hospitals Tees, ensuring vital healthcare services are available in the heart of the community.
Highlight was funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England.
Councillor 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 was 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.”
He added: “The official opening event also offered residents and visitors the 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.”
The opening provided a festival atmosphere, – with entertainment taking place on an outside stage on the concourse, water-based displays and activities in neighbouring Jackson Dock and a range of indoor taster sessions showcasing Highlight’s outstanding facilities. The entertainment programme also featured live music, dance performances, a brass band and colourful street theatre performances throughout the day.
Visitors also had the chance to experience everything the impressive new hub has to offer, including its three swimming pools – including a leisure pool featuring water play attractions and a race slide, a 100-station gym, dedicated spinning studio, fitness suites and children’s soft play area.
