Caerphilly Council considers leisure centre closures as part of consolidation and investment strategy

Unprecedented financial challenges are pressing Caerphilly County Borough Council to accelerate its consolidation strategy which has been designed to modernise its leisure facility portfolio.

Caerphilly currently operates more leisure centres than any other local authority in Wales, including many ageing buildings that have significant maintenance and running costs. As a result, in 2018 the council adopted a 10-year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy (SARS) which proposed a reduction in facilities to focus on four strategic leisure centres at Risca, Heolddu, Caerphilly and Newbridge.

The council is now considering the closure of three leisure centres this July: Bedwas Leisure Centre, Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre and New Tredegar Leisure Centre.

Cllr Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure services says: “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 the future and I’m keen to highlight the huge investment that has been made over recent years in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities such as 3G pitches, an athletics hub, upgraded swimming facilities and other sporting facilities.

“If we proceed with our plans to reduce the portfolio down to four strategic leisure centres, then almost every community in the county borough will be within a five-mile travelling distance of one of these four strategic sites.

“It’s 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 with the process and provide feedback to help us.”

The council meets on 16 January to discuss whether to proceed with a residents’ consultation about the proposed closures.