Construction of the £35m Highlight leisure development in Hartlepool, Teesside, has hit a significant milestone. This new multi-million-pound wellbeing hub, featuring three swimming pools, has successfully completed stabilisation tests for all three concrete pool tanks within the Waterfront building.
Wates, the lead contractor, conducted these tests to verify the structural integrity of the concrete and ensure no water leakage. Councillor Brenda Harrison, Hartlepool Council leader, remarked, “Each visit to Highlight shows impressive progress. It’s shaping up to be a stunning addition to the borough. Passing the stabilisation tests marks another step toward completion, and it’s thrilling to see it all coming together so well.”
Set to open in early 2026, Highlight will offer a range of facilities, including a 25m eight-lane main pool, a 25m four-lane learner pool with a movable floor, and a leisure pool with a race slide and water play features. Other amenities include a spectator gallery, a 100-station gym, two linked fitness studios, a cycling studio, active and soft play zones, a party room, a café seating 100, four NHS consultation suites, outdoor terraces on the ground and first floors, and spaces for activities and events.
Sustainability is a core focus of the project. During testing, over 70% of the water was reused by cycling it between the main, learner, and leisure pools, with much of it later repurposed elsewhere on-site.
David Wingfield, Wates’ managing director for construction east, said, “The pools are a standout feature for Hartlepool, and stabilising them is a major achievement in our timeline. Our team prioritised sustainability with a smart recycling system during testing, reflecting the dedication of our crew and local partners. We’re now gearing up to tile the pools and finish the broader project for handover by year-end.”
With testing complete, tiling will soon begin, bringing the vision for Highlight’s vibrant pool area closer to reality.
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