After a difficult period in which the previous operator left and an air of uncertainty hung over the centre, there are exciting times ahead under the management of Tees Active.

The Stockton-based company has a wealth of experience in the leisure sector and has been tasked with overseeing the upgrade of the facilities, made possible thanks to £850,000 funding from Northumberland County Council.

Steve Chaytor, managing director, said: "Tees Active is delighted to have secured the contract to manage The Swan Centre for Leisure.
"Our first action has been to begin an £850,000 refurbishment of the facility, which we believe will rejuvenate the centre.

"Our new Activ8 Health and Fitness facility with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment will open in January followed by improvements to the café, children's facilities and reception.

"We want to put The Swan right at the heart of the community in Berwick."

Darren Humphry, Swan Centre manager, has been hugely impressed by the progress made on the refurbishments during the past six weeks.
He said: "The gym is the first phase of the refurbishment and is now just two weeks away from completion.

"Even at this stage it looks really impressive.

"It is bright, modern and fully air conditioned and will offer a totally new experience for our gym users.

"I honestly think it's going to be one of the best gyms in the county," he remarked.

The gym has moved into the former adventure play area to offer a more spacious environment and comes with a full range of new cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

Gail McKenna, health and fitness general manager, added: "It's a 65-station state-of-the-art facility with top of the range equipment and comfortable surroundings.

"There's an excellent mix of cardiovascular and resistance equipment and a free weight area and all the equipment has entertainment on it so you can watch Freeview channels while you're training.

"We also have some new pieces of equipment which add a bit of variation to the usual treadmill and cross-trainer pieces you find in most gyms.

"Our staff are very excited at the prospect of working in the new facilities and continuing their excellent work for the community such as through the GP referral scheme and exercise classes. That work is to be extended with the introduction of a spinning programme."

Once the gym refurbishment is finished, work will follow on the main reception and the adventure play area will be relocated.

Gail said: "We know that people's perception of the facility hasn't been the best in the past but we are a new operator with an excellent background in delivering health and fitness services.

"This is a new and fresh start for the Swan Centre and we hope people will come along to make the most of the refurbished facilities."