Future of Leisure Centres under review

Caerphilly county borough council is proposing to reduce the number of leisure centres across the area and is seeking the views of residents on the plans.
Caerphilly county borough council is proposing to reduce the number of leisure centres across the area and is seeking the views of residents on the plans.
Caerphilly currently operates more leisure centres than any other Local Authority in Wales, with many aging buildings having significant maintenance and running costs.
Back in 2018, the Council adopted a 10 year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy (SARS) which proposes a reduction in the overall number of facilities, with a focus on 4 strategic leisure centres at Risca, Heolddu, Caerphilly and Newbridge.
On Thursday 16th January, the council’s Cabinet will consider whether to proceed to consultation on plans which could see the closure of Bedwas Leisure Centre, Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre and New Tredegar Leisure Centre at the end of July 2025.
Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services said, “This is the next step in the implementation of our SARS strategy, which has been accelerated by the unprecedented financial challenges facing the council at present.
We need to change the way we deliver our leisure service in future and I’m keen to highlight the huge investment that has been made over recent years in modern, fit for purpose facilities like 3G pitches, athletics hub, upgraded swimming facilities and other sporting facilities.
If we proceed with our plans to reduce to 4 strategic leisure centres, then almost every community in the county borough will be within a 5-mile travelling distance of one of the 4 strategic sites.
It is important to note that no decisions have been made to date and, if the consultation is agreed, it is essential that as many people as possible engage and provide feedback to help us shape the way we deliver this key service in future.”
The consultation would run for a period of 7 weeks, starting on the 22 January and will close on 12 March.
The details of the Cabinet report and supporting information can be found on the CCBC website by clicking here – https://democracy.caerphilly.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=128&MId=14788&LLL=0