Work has commenced at West Denton Leisure Centre to create a new access road that will improve connectivity to the adjacent school – Thomas Bewick School.

GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates Better leisure centres, is working in partnership with Newcastle City Council’s Education Service, to deliver the project with investment of £450,000 from Newcastle City Council using the High Needs Provision Capital Allocation budget.

Thomas Bewick School, a specialist school for children and young people aged 4–19 years with autism, is located to the rear of West Denton leisure centre. In recent years, the school has expanded, with new facilities added across the site. Existing access arrangements require vehicles, pupils, staff and visitors to follow an extended route around adjacent premises, which has presented operational and logistical challenges.

The new access road will provide a direct route from the leisure centre car park to the school entrance, significantly improving accessibility and reducing journey times. The revised layout is designed to minimise disruption, simplify access for transport providers, and better support the needs of pupils, many of whom require consistent and low-stress environments.

Construction is expected to be completed within approximately three months.

Alison Westworth, GLL,’s Partnership Manager for Newcastle said: “This project demonstrates the value of effective partnership working in delivering practical improvements to community infrastructure. By enhancing access to Thomas Bewick School, we are supporting a more efficient, accessible and inclusive environment for pupils, staff and visitors.”

Pete Trumper, Schools Organisation Team’s Capital Specialist at Newcastle City Council commented: “Newcastle City Council is extremely grateful to the Leisure Centre team in all they are doing to make life easier for pupils at Thomas Bewick. Their willingness to embrace our desire to deliver this scheme speaks volumes for their culture and values, and their commitment to the wider community.

Katy Harrison, Headteacher of Thomas Bewick School, added: “Safe, simple and predictable journeys are incredibly important for our pupils and their families, so this new access road will make a real and lasting difference to our school community. It will ease daily pressures for transport providers and staff and help ensure that pupils arrive ready to learn in a calm and supportive environment. We are extremely grateful to Newcastle City Council and GLL for working so closely with us to deliver a solution.”

During the construction period, all leisure centre facilities will remain operational. However, there will be some temporary disruption, including minor changes to parking arrangements and the relocation of accessible bays.

These works are being undertaken alongside the ongoing development of the new Outer West Leisure Centre. When completed, the flagship development will provide state of the art facilities with a 25m swimming pool, 17m training pool, sports hall and gym, café, children’s play area, library, and community spaces where GP drop-in services will be offered.

Thomas Bewick School provides a specialist educational environment supported by trained staff and tailored facilities designed to meet the diverse needs of pupils with autism.