The new leisure centre includes a six-lane, 25 metre swimming pool and small pool, a large state of the art gym, and a multi purpose room. Additional changing rooms will also be provided for outdoor sporting activities on the existing athletics track and pitches. Equipment for the new gym is from the same supplier as that being used at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The new Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre has been built on Shibdon Road. The current Blaydon Pool will close at the end of the day on October 3.

Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre is the first of two brand new leisure centres to open as part of Gateshead Council’s £36m investment in sport and leisure facilities. Work on the second, in Heworth is also rapidly progressing with completion expected in Autumn 2010.

The primary care centre, developed by NHS South of Tyne and Wear, will bring healthcare closer to patients and local communities, reducing the need to travel.

It will house a range of healthcare services including a GP practice and minor injury and illness unit (both currently based nearby in Blaydon Clinic), as well as breast screening and X-ray services. There will also be dental, podiatry, mental health, physiotherapy, sexual health, and musculoskeletal services, along with speech and language therapy and weight management services.

The highest possible energy efficiency standards have been used in the construction of the new buildings. A biomass boiler has been installed to provide part of the heating for the new buildings. Steps have also be taken to minimise any traffic impact that the new development may have, including improvements to bus, cycle and pedestrian routes.

Alan Baty, Chair of Gateshead Primary Care Trust, which is part of NHS South of Tyne and Wear, said: “The primary care centre is an exciting new development. It’s the first such health facility for Gateshead, bringing a range of healthcare services under one roof in a convenient community location.

“Its location with the new leisure centre means we will be able to link in with our partners in the Local Authority to help people to increase their access to health services and increase opportunities to improve their health.”

Gateshead Council cabinet member for health Cllr Mary Foy said: “The sense of anticipation for opening of the new Blaydon Leisure and Primary Care Centre is tangible. The facilities in the new leisure centre will be head and shoulders above what anyone who uses the current Blaydon Pool will be used to.

“We believe in creating an active and healthy Gateshead but we recognise that the only way to do that is by creating facilities and opportunities that people want to use. This massive investment by Gateshead Council will go a long way to achieving that aim.”