Residents are being invited to view and have their say on proposals to transform the facilities at a County Durham leisure centre.

A public conversation on plans for the Riverside Leisure Complex, in Chester-le-Street, is the latest development of Durham County Council’s leisure transformation programme, which aims to improve the physical and mental health of residents, promoting physical activity and helping them to live long and independent lives.

Users of the Riverside, including clubs and groups, are being invited to get involved in developing the plans, which include two new 3G pitches, improvements to floodlighting, refurbishment of the athletics track and general renovations to the pavilion.

People have until 5pm on Friday, July 15 to have their say on the plans.

They can share their views in person at the Riverside Complex, by calling customer services on 03000 260 000 or online at www.durham.gov.uk/leisuretransformation

Face-to-face events, where people can find out more about the plans and provide feedback, will take place at the Riverside Complex from 4.30pm to 7.30pm on the following dates: Wednesday, June 29; Wednesday, July 6; Wednesday, July 13.

In November last year, the first phase of the Leisure Transformation Plans saw a large number of residents and leisure users give their views on proposals for Abbey, Peterlee, Spennymoor and Teesdale leisure centres.

Their feedback is now being used to finalise detailed plans for improvements at the venues. Further information on the outcome can be viewed at www.durham.gov.uk/leisuretransformation.

The council is planning more opportunities to provide feedback on proposals across its other leisure centres, which are due to be shared later this year.

Cllr James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, said: “We want to ensure County Durham offers a range of modern, well equipped and welcoming leisure facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

“The plans for the Riverside Leisure Complex are one important part of our overall leisure transformation programme and will add new facilities, improve the existing offer, and help us to provide the best possible opportunities for physical activity for all.

“It is important, therefore, that residents and users give us their feedback, tell us what would encourage them to become more active, have fun, and get moving more, ultimately, improving their overall health.

“Their feedback will enable us to deliver improvements at the Riverside Leisure Complex that will meet current and future needs, make the best use of space, and contribute to the overall leisure transformation intentions.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054