Hartlepool Highlight Centre Omits Sauna and Steam Room Amenities

Someone asked about a sauna at the new leisure center. The Highlight center’s plans lack these features, they noted. A petition exists with nearly 1,000 signatures for them, and the online version has over 275 signatures already. People also asked about Mill House’s sauna and steam room, which stayed closed after the Covid-19 pandemic ended.

Councillor Gary Allen spoke at the council meeting, stating they consulted people before planning Highlight. He explained that a 2019 survey ranked sauna and steam rooms low, and Sport England’s 2020 survey showed little interest as well. Councillor Allen stressed family activities needed focus and income generation mattered for future demand too.

Sport England and Tees Valley supported the funding model, as they didn’t find enough demand to justify the features. Costs were also a major factor when looking at this, and adding a sauna now would cost a lot more money.

Furthermore, adding a sauna would also delay the entire Highlight project too, potentially jeopardizing it altogether. Mill House’s facilities, on the other hand, were in bad shape and reopened cautiously after Covid-19 lockdowns.

These facilities didn’t meet quality standards either, and people frequently complained, the meeting heard. The center’s income was very minimal because of this. Councillor Allen said fixing the Mill House facilities would require up to £40,000.

Limited funds existed for this specific purpose. Highlight’s construction took priority in the decision making, and Mill House’s lifespan is also limited. Councillor Allen concluded by stating he’s open to further talks with interested parties.