An exciting new community sports hub is set to open its doors in Pontllanfraith next month.
The state-of-the-art facility will officially open on Monday 8th September, shortly after the closure of the adjacent Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre, on Sunday 31st August. Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre closed its doors in March 2020 when it was used as a vaccination centre and apart from a very short period has not re-opened since.
The building is almost 50 years old and has a significant maintenance backlog. The existing 3G pitch is also at the end of its lifespan.
At present, the 3G pitch is the only facility still operating at the site. Bookings for the pitch have been accommodated at other leisure facilities, ensuring continuity for local clubs and users in line with council’s Artificial Turf Pitch Allocation policy.
The closure also aligns with the Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029, which sets out a long-term vision for modern, high-quality leisure provision across the county borough. Leisure facilities at the new Centre for Vulnerable Learners will open to the public from Monday 8th September, providing an additional option for local residents to engage in active lifestyles.
This project has been developed as part of the council’s ambitious Place Shaping programme and supports the ambitions established in the Sport & Active Recreations 2019-29. The new facilities will include a four-court sports hall with changing facilities, an indoor climbing wall, 3G artificial turf pitch and bicycle maintenance workshop.
This exciting new facility will be made available to the community outside of school hours.
Councillor Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre and 3G pitch has played an important role in the community for many years,
“We appreciate that some people will be disappointed about the closure, but we are focusing our resources on delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that will benefit our communities for many years to come. We are very much looking forward to opening this new sporting hub which will be an incredible community asset for people of all ages and abilities in future.”
Bookings for the new sports hub can be made via the bookings webpage or by contacting the Sport and Leisure Customer Services Team.