A tour of the Hebburn Central multi-purpose facility served as a prelude to the International IAKS Swimming Pool Conference. Unlike many other countries, Sport England recommends in its strategy for sports facilities that community sports and non-sports facilities be combined (such as by having a medical centre with a sports hall).
In the case of Hebburn Central, the local library has been housed together with a sports pool, fitness centre and sports hall. The results achieved are extremely impressive. By combining previously separate community facilities, the municipality has been able to reduce the operating deficit to one-eighth of the previous figure thanks to cost synergies and much higher visitor numbers.
The international participants enthusiastically swapped ideas and experiences during the subsequent networking dinner in Newcastle’s historic centre.
IAKS President Dr Stefan Kannewischer
photo credits: FaulknerBrowns
