The firm has been named as the preferred bidder for the project north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Ponteland school and leisure centre scheme

Willmott Dixon has been named the preferred bidder to build a £46m combined schools and leisure campus in Ponteland, north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The scheme for Northumberland County council has been designed by FaulkerBrowns Architects and will replace the existing Ponteland Leisure Centre.

The new campus will house a 1,600-place secondary school and a 420-place primary school and nursery, while the new adjoining leisure facility will feature a 25m six-lane swimming pool, learner pool and children’s wet play area.

The leisure facility will also house a clip and climb, soft play area, fitness suite, studios, sports hall, badminton courts, outdoor sports fields, as well as two full size artificial grass pitches and a library.

Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North said: “We have developed a proposal based on the needs of the community and providing a range of facilities which will not only benefit the pupils from the schools but also local people for years to come.”

Paul Richardson, partner of FaulknerBrowns Architects added: “This type of integrated facility is unique in the region and will offer outstanding learning, leisure and sporting opportunities for the whole community.”

Willmott Dixon is also working on a new HQ for the Northumbria Police Authority in Newcastle, the revamp of Darlington Civic Centre and is upgrading East Durham College’s Houghall Campus as it continues to expand its presence in the North of the country.