Birtley Leisure Centre in Gateshead is closing for a week of upgrades as it moves under the management of GLL, which runs services under the Better brand. The gym will close from March 30 for refurbishment, while fitness classes and sports hall activities remain available through March 31. The entire centre will then close from April 1 to allow for essential building work, and will reopen to the public at 7am on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
During this closure, the operator is investing over £250,000 to improve the site. Members will see the installation of new strength and cardio machines from Technogym, alongside updated spin studio bikes and refurbished saunas. This project marks the final stage of Gateshead Council moving its leisure facilities to the new operator, a process that began last year.
Because Birtley was previously tied to a contract with Competition Line UK, it was not included in the initial handover of other council sites in April 2025. Since that time, the operator has invested approximately £1.3 million into the centres at Blaydon, Dunston, Heworth, and the Gateshead International Stadium.
While the Birtley gym is closed, all current members can use the facilities at the other council sites in Blaydon, Dunston, Heworth, and the Gateshead International Stadium until the work is finished.
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