Cardiff Council have revealed plans to upgrade Pentwyn Leisure Centre after cost pressures have led to the centre being closed since March 2020. After backlash from the community in Pentwyn seeking the leisure centre to be re-opened, Cardiff Council have unveiled their plans to renovate the centre. The upgrade includes:
- A new 20m x 8m pool, heated by a ground source heat pump.
- A new cafeteria.
- A new fitness gym on the ground floor.
- A new full-sized 3G pitch and mini pitch.
- A refurbished family-changing facility.
- A new hall and external space which could be leased to a third partner - potentially to create an area for padel tennis on site.
- Roof mounted solar panels
The proposal will be considered by Cardiff Council's Cabinet on Thursday, June 22. If plans are confirmed, work is expected to take place as early as autumn this year. Some works, including pitches, the fitness centre and changing rooms, could be completed in early 2024.
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In 2021 refurbishment plans were announced for the leisure centre as the Cardiff Blues planned to use the facility long-term. The original plans entailed the centre getting a new swimming pool, gym, 3G pitch, and café as well as the upstairs of the building being kept in use by the rugby team. Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) has been running Pentwyn Leisure Centre since 2016 under the brand name Better Cardiff. With the new proposal, the centre will remain with GLL and part of the building will continue being rented by Cardiff Rugby to use exclusively.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council previously told WalesOnline that the rising cost pressures have delayed the developments of Pentwyn Leisure Centre but they remained "committed to the project."
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke-Davies, says "I'm delighted we can bring these plans forward now. Cost pressures being felt across the construction industry and rising energy bills have delayed our desire to upgrade the facility, but the Council has always been committed to the project.
"Our initial plans for Pentwyn have had to be reworked in the light of those increases, but importantly we believe we have found a way forward which will not only see Pentwyn Leisure Centre benefit from a big refurbishment, but which will also ensure that swimming will remain an option at the centre."
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