IB Leisure officially opened by Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

One of Britain's greatest Paralympic athletes, Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, took a tour of the facilities before proudly unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

Guests attending the opening were also invited to look around the facility and hear a speech from the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Kevin Faulks.

The venue, run by Tees Active Leisure, features a state-of-the-art gym, two swimming pools, three purpose-built fitness class studios and a library in the heart of Ingleby Barwick on Blair Avenue.

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, who is also President of the Local Government Association, said: "I was delighted to officially open IB Leisure and from the tour I've had today, it's clear to see that the fantastic facilities here are going to be very popular for many years to come.

"Physical activity is vitally important to everybody's wellbeing, so I'm really pleased that residents from Ingleby Barwick and across Stockton-on-Tees have another first-class health and fitness venue on their doorsteps to make the most of."

Councillor Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "We have a growing and thriving Borough here in Stockton-on-Tees which, of course, means an increasing demand for services.

"In recent years that growth has been particularly felt in Ingleby Barwick so we've backed this project from the very start and, as you can see, the vision has been turned into a reality with stunning results.

"Previously residents had to travel to access leisure amenities, swimming pools and libraries but IB Leisure delivers first-class facilities on the doorstep for local people."

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "IB Leisure has already proven to be very popular and that's no surprise given the quality of the building and the state-of-the-art equipment inside.

"As well as the fitness facilities, there's also an in-house library so there's a real feeling that the venue is becoming established as a hub for the local community which is used by residents of all ages."

IB Leisure, part-funded by Sport England's Strategic Facilities Fund, has enjoyed a successful start after opening to the public in August 2020, boasting almost 250,000 visitors in its first twelve months of operation.