The Billingham Forum was officially opened in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth II. The Forum provides a wide range of leisure facilities and in 2004 was granted listed building status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The building was built using traditional methods and materials from the 1960s. As a result it has been in a declining state of repair for several years. In 2007 Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council awarded a £15 million refurbishment of the whole site to Devereux Architects.
The refurbishment retains and enhances the present facilities, including the unique ice rink and the range of facilities on offer will be extended. The design improves the appearance and layout of the building, attracting new customers. The project also provides a solution to the structural and maintenance problems currently faced by the Authority.
The project includes modifications to the swimming pool to create a 25m pool with boom as well as an additional training pool. There is also a new pool changing village, fitness suite and dance studio. The upgrade of the ice arena consists of a new ice pad, spectator areas, skate hire and changing areas. Additional areas that underwent updating were the existing sport halls and squash courts. The entrance was modified to create a new atrium cafeteria with a glazed roof. On the first floor there is a new play barn as well as an extra cafeteria.
Location: Billingham,Teesside, UK
Client: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Value: £15million
Dates: 2009 - 2011
Status: Completed