Plans change for leisure centre revamp
CARDIFF council has announced revised plans for Pentwyn Leisure Centre after Cardiff Rugby pulled out following community uproar.
Plans for the re-opening of the facility have been the centre of controversy within the community since its closure in 2020, but the council now says it has received positive feedback from residents.
Shortly after the leisure centre closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, Cardiff Rugby moved into building for their training. The club will no longer be using the facility after May, which is when the refurbishment is set to start.
Initial plans agreed in June 2023 sparked fury amongst community members, with petitions against the leisure centre and 3G pitch schemes getting nearly 4,000 signatures. The main concerns residents had about the initial plans were the size of the pool and the proposed 3G pitch, both of which have been revised.
The new plans for the leisure centre’s upgrade include:
■ a 25m swimming pool with an adaptable moving floor, allowing the depth of the water to be varied. The pool slide will be kept;
■ retaining the existing sports hall and outdoor mini 3G pitch;
■ refurbished rooms;
■ re-opening the studio and gym facilities;
■ roof-mounted solar panels and an air source heat pump to heat the pool. changing
Cardiff council held drop-in sessions for members of the community to examine the plans and express their opinions in which 180 people attended.
A council spokesman said: “We were pleased that so many people turned up and that we were able to listen to their views and explain the new plans for the centre. We received positive feedback on our decision to change the pool design and on increasing the size and depth of the new pool. We hope to get on site soon to begin works.”
Aspects of the centre will be re-opening, including the gym, in mid-June. Around the same time work will begin on the new swimming pool which is expected to be completed by 2025.