South Tyneside Council says it is “wonderful news” that a new community centre has won a top architecture award.
The new community centre in Hebburn, designed by local architecture firm FaulknerBrowns, is receiving the much-coveted Civic Trust Award.
The building, clad in the same weathered steel as The Angel of the North, is designed to reflect the area’s industrial past. It is part of a larger scheme to invest in the Hebburn area.
It is being recognised along with buildings from Milan, Manchester, Dublin, and London at a ceremony in Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, London in March.
FaulknerBrowns said in a statement: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award.”
South Tyneside Mayor and Hebburn resident, Richard Porthouse and Paralympic gold–medallist Josef Craig opened the £13m facility in June 2015.
At the time Councillor Porthouse said: “It is a real honour to declare [Hebburn Central] open” and claimed that the new building would “…herald the start of a new chapter for our town”.
And despite only recently opening, footfall is soaring.
More than 45,000 new leisure admissions have been recorded over the last 3 months. The centre is proving particularly attractive to youngsters, with more than 700 junior discount cards being issued.
The centre contains a library, a soft-play area, a gym, a 6 lane 25m swimming pool, dance studios, 4-court sports hall, and an external 3G pitch.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The number of people using our wonderful new Hebburn Central has surpassed all of our expectations for the three months of opening.
“We are delighted with the success so far. Hebburn Central is already being viewed as a valuable community asset and receiving extremely positive feedback from visitors.”
Founded in 1959, the awards recognise outstanding architecture, planning, and design in the built environment.