Published on September 08, 2026 at 3.00pm, ambitious plans for the major redevelopment of a sports complex are to be discussed. The redevelopment could unlock significant new investment and help strengthen Chester-le-Street's role as a centre for sport, recreation, health and wellbeing.
Our proposals bring together several opportunities that would improve community sports provision at the Riverside Complex, enhance Riverside Park, and support potential future investment in elite sport. Together they form part of a wider vision to build on Chester-le-Street's sporting strengths and support the town's long-term development.
The vision seeks to strengthen the town's role as a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit. It aims to increase opportunities for residents to be active, support community wellbeing, attract visitors, and help drive wider regeneration across the town.
The plans follow recent approval for a new hotel development associated with Durham Cricket. They reflect a broader ambition to bring together sport, leisure, tourism and recreation as part of a coordinated vision for the Riverside area and Chester-le-Street.
Working alongside partners including the Football Foundation and Durham Cricket, we will be exploring a partnership-led approach that could bring substantial external investment into the town while delivering benefits for local communities.
The proposals, which are subject to community consultation and external funding, include:
Meanwhile, opportunities would also be explored to expand outdoor physical activity provision across the wider Riverside area, including enhanced Park Run facilities, activity trails, outdoor fitness equipment, and a multi-use games area.
Cllr Karen Allison, our Cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: "These proposals represent a significant opportunity to bring together a range of investment opportunities into one joined-up vision for Riverside and Chester-le-Street.
"What makes this approach different is that it looks at community sport, women's sport, recreation, health and wellbeing, and improvements to Riverside Park as part of a wider plan for the area.
"By bringing these opportunities together, we have the chance to attract regional and national investment, improve facilities for local residents and strengthen Chester-le-Street's role as one of the region's key sporting locations.
"At the heart of these proposals is a commitment to ensuring local communities benefit from better opportunities to be active, enjoy high-quality public spaces and take part in sport and recreation."
On Wednesday 16 September, our councillors will be asked to approve progression to the next stage of work, including detailed feasibility studies, planning pre-application engagement and further community consultation.
Source: www.durham.gov.uk — Read the original article
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