Future of Leisure Centres to be considered

Proposals to reduce the number of leisure centres across the Caerphilly county borough will be considered by councillors this week.

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.

The proposals to be considered aim to improve the overall service the council provides – offering a more modern, accessible and sustainable service, that better meets the changing needs of our communities.

Widespread public consultation has been a key part of this process, and councillors will now be asked to make a final decision on the proposals at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 14 May.

The Cabinet will consider whether to proceed with the closure of Bedwas Leisure Centre, Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre and New Tredegar Leisure Centre.

Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Waste, Leisure & Green Spaces Leisure Services said, “This is the next step in the implementation of our SARS strategy that was agreed in 2019, 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 the 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.”

“I would like to thank all those who took the time to engage in the recent consultation as this feedback will help shape the way we deliver this important service in the future.”

“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,” he added.

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=592&MId=14851&LLL=0