Work is underway on a £38 million leisure and wellbeing hub in Caerphilly, Wales, transforming an area of disused scrubland into a vibrant community hub.

Part of the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking regeneration plan, £20 million of the project funds have been secured through the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the remainder being covered by reserves held by Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Facilities will include a health suite, a fitness suite, two flexible studio spaces, a group cycle studio, two squash courts and a power-assisted wellness suite, as well as a six-lane swimming pool and water play area.

There will also be a café, a large adventure play facility, a TAGactive Arena, lounge area, two consultation rooms and a social space for community groups.

All facilities will be fully accessible and will include a text hereChanging Places facility and a pool pod for assisted access in and out of the water.

Alliance Leisure has been appointed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, overseeing the project through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited.

“The Alliance team has been working with the council on this project since 2022 so it is fantastic to finally see a vision being turned into a reality” says Julia Goddard, regional director, Alliance Leisure. “The new building integrates modern technologies to create an efficient, air source powered environment, housing an array of innovative facilities that directly match the needs of the community.”

However, Caerphilly Council operates more leisure centres than any other local authority in Wales, and is up against a challenge to keep them all running. In January, the council proposed the closure of three leisure centres this July as a result of its financial challenges.

The results of a public consultation have led to a reconsideration and a proposed compromise. Bedwas Leisure Centre will close when the new wellbeing hub opens in March 2027.

Cefn Forrest Leisure Centre will close its fitness suite and reduce the opening hours to 4pm to 8pm on weekdays and four hours a day on the weekend from 31 August. This will save around £200,000 a year.

Tredegar Leisure Centre will remain open but with reduced hours from 31 August.

Council leader, Sean Morgan, said: "I'm sure the community will welcome this decision, as it clearly demonstrates that we are listening to their views. However, it is important that everyone understands we still have to deliver significant savings in order to plug a £29 million hole in our budget over the next three years, so doing nothing is not an option."