Highlight Leisure Centre Parking Plans Revealed – But Handover Date Quietly Slips Into 2026

Construction on the Highlight Leisure Centre has reportedly 'fell behind' pushing its opening date into 2026

Three Hours of Free Parking at Highlight Hub Confirmed– But Construction Completion Date Now Delayed According to Sources.

23rd November 2025

Hartlepool’s long-awaited Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub has taken another step toward completion this week as fresh details about the site’s parking arrangements were officially released.

Hartlepool Borough Council and its project partners say they are committed to ensuring the new facility is easy to access, safe to use, and prepared for future demand.

According to the announcement, the purpose-built car park will provide just under 100 spaces, including eight disabled bays and several electric vehicle charging points, reflecting the steady increase in EV usage across the region.

Three Hours of Free Parking

In a welcome move for visitors, Highlight will also offer three hours of free parking for all customers—a decision aimed at keeping the centre affordable and accessible for families, gym users, and community groups. The car park will operate with a secure barrier system, designed to prevent unauthorised access outside opening hours.

Opening Date Quietly Pushed Back

The Teesside & Durham Post understands that the timeline for the handover of the new leisure complex however has shifted yet again, with earlier statements indicating that Highlight was poised for an initial handover to Hartlepool Borough Council in late 2025, with a full opening poised for spring 2026. However, a source close to the project told one of our reporters that the initial handover has now slipped into early 2026, potentially delaying opening of the centre by several weeks..

A Key Project for Hartlepool

An initial handover of the building was set for late 2025, however a source told The Teesside & Durham Post that this looks 'unlikely'

Despite the setback, the Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub remains one of the most significant (and perhaps most expensive) regeneration projects currently underway in Hartlepool. The centre is expected to replace the outdated Mill House Leisure Centre, expanding sports and well-being services, and act as a strategic hub for community health initiatives.

With parking arrangements now confirmed, anticipation continues to build—though patience may be required as the project edges closer into a 2026 completion date.