New buildings for Ponteland schools opened

Coun Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council, with pupils and headteachers of Ponteland Primary and Ponteland High School. Picture by Helen Smith.

The £43million scheme is one of Northumberland County Council's largest ever capital programmes.

The campus, completed by Kier, sees a 52-place nursery, 420-pupil primary and 1,600-pupil secondary school all on the same site alongside a state-of-the art leisure centre, a café, sports bar and a library.

Opening of the leisure centre, which will be managed by Active Northumberland, and additional facilities will be postponed until lockdown restrictions are eased and leisure centres can re-open.

Students inside the learning section of the new £43million campus in Ponteland. Picture by Helen Smith.

Ponteland High School headteacher Kieran McGrane said: “I have been involved in this schools and leisure project since it began in October 2016, and the wait has certainly been worth it as the secondary school is magnificent and will be a wonderful environment for our students and staff.”

Coun Guy Renner-Thompson, county council cabinet member responsible for children’s services, said: “I have no doubt that this campus will benefit children, young people and their families for years to come.

“It is important that children and young people grow up with opportunities, are happy and safe, and have access to learning and leisure provision such as these.”

The new leisure centre contains a six-lane swimming pool with height adjustable floor, a learner pool including aqua play, a four-court sports hall with indoor cricket nets, a spa and gym and a virtual cycling studio, as well as a soft play area and clip ‘n’ climb activity area.

Primary school pupils inside the learning section of the new £43million campus in Ponteland. Picture by Helen Smith.

A library, café and sports bar are also in this building.

In addition, the site has outdoor sports fields, two multi-use games areas and a full-size 3G pitch that will be used by both the schools and the local community.

Coun Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lifestyles, said: “Unfortunately, due to lockdown restrictions around the pandemic we will not be able to open the leisure centre on the date we had planned.

“However, we are very hopeful that the public will not have to wait long to experience these outstanding facilities.

“The council is extremely proud of what has been achieved for the community of Ponteland.”