A new youth and community centre is set to open in Aberbargoed, south Wales, in April 2009 following the refurbishment of the former Hanger81 skate park, which closed at the end of October.

The skate park, which opened in 2002, was closed by Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) following a decline in the number of people using the facility. Plans for the new centre include a purpose-built youth club and community area, a three-court sports hall and an upgrade of existing changing facilities. The site will also include classroom facilities and improved security.

CCBC cabinet member for education, Phil Bevan, said: "This new facility will serve the whole community and provide a modern, fit for purpose centre in the heart of the village. "Although we are disappointed to see the closure of Hanger81, this new scheme will bring many more benefits to Aberbargoed and the surrounding communities.

Funding for the scheme has been provided by the Heads of the Valleys Sustainable Regeneration Fund and the Welsh Assembly Government.