The council is continuing to demonstrate a strong commitment to developing first class leisure and sports facilities throughout Sunderland by building two 25m community pools at Silksworth and Hetton. The new sites mean even more people will have access to excellent sporting facilities close to where they live, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the pools, be physically active, and have fun.

Cllr James Blackburn, for Sunderland City Council commented: “Sunderland City Council has listened to local people who have been telling us that they want excellent facilities where they can be active as a family, close to where they live. The two community pools in Hetton and Houghton demonstrate the City Council’s commitment to the development of first-class leisure and sports facilities throughout Sunderland. I’m sure that the new pools will be of enormous benefit to local residents for many years to come.”

Building of the pools began in September 2008 and both opened their doors to the public in January 2010. 

Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre

Silksworth Lane, Sunderland SR3 1PD Tel: 0191 553 5905

Hetton Community Pool & Wellness Centre

Barnard Park, Hetton le Hole, Houghton le Spring, Tyne & wear DH5 9LZ

Hetton Community Pool & Wellness Centre and Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis & Wellness Centre are great places to get fit, socialize and generally have fun. At Silksworth there is a 25m community pool, alongside eight indoor & seven outdoor tennis courts, Wellness Centre and meeting room facilities and newly refurbished bar and cafe area. Hetton have a 25m swimming pool, learner pool, sauna and steam room, Wellness Centre and exercise studio.

Both pools have something for everyone, with lanes for swimming, aquafit classes, learn to swim courses for all ages and fun floats sessions. Currently, those aged 16 and under or aged 60 and over, can swim for free during designated free swimming recreational sessions with a valid Sunderland City Council ‘Life Card’.

Hetton also has a relaxing new sauna and steamroom where you can relax and unwind, whilst at Silksworth indoor and outdoor tennis courts are available for hire, with lessons and crash courses available throughout the year for all ages.

With more than £100 million invested into the beautiful area of Sunniside, it is fast becoming the place to be in the city centre with state-of-the-art leisure facilities such as a cinema and bowling alley, quality eateries, boutique shops as well as award-winning gardens and attractions such as Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art.

To find out more about the Sunniside area of Sunderland go to www.sunnisidepartnership.co.uk.

The Life Card is a membership to sport and leisure in Sunderland and offers discounts and promotions to adults and young people studying, living and working in the city.

To find out more go to www.sunderland.gov.uk/leisure.

To find out more go to www.sunderlandevents.com.

Also look out for the Great Street games, creative workshops and an organic Farmers Market. Activities are free, to find out more go to www.sunderlandevents.com.

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