A major new leisure and wellbeing centre is set to open its doors to the public in Newport in 2026, replacing the former Newport Centre. The site, located at the riverfront beside the Kingsway in the city centre, will house a modern leisure swimming pool equipped with slides, a lazy river, and play equipment. Additionally, there will be a teaching pool for children’s swimming lessons and exercise sessions, changing facilities, a cafe, a relaxation area, a fitness suite, and a large active space for community use.
Funding for this ambitious project primarily comes from the Welsh Government’s transforming towns programme as well as the UK government. Newport City Council leader, Dimitri Batrouni, expressed excitement about the plans, stating that the new centre is highly anticipated in the city. He envisions it as a community space for residents of all ages to enhance their wellbeing and for young people to have fun in a safe environment. After the demolition of the Newport Centre was completed earlier this year, the site has been handed over to Wynne Construction, the firm responsible for building the state-of-the-art facility.
Chris Wynne, the managing director of Wynne Construction, highlighted the project’s positive impact on employment, as it is expected to create 400 jobs. He emphasized the company’s commitment to social value, aiming to source 40% of the workforce locally and promote community engagement and sustainable practices within the supply chain. Councillor Emma Corten, cabinet member for culture and communications, welcomed the development as “great news” for the city and promised regular updates to keep residents informed of the progress towards creating a modern leisure and wellbeing centre.
The leisure centre’s comprehensive amenities and focus on community engagement are seen as a significant step forward in enhancing the recreational and health facilities available to Newport residents. With construction set to commence soon, the project is poised to bring not only physical infrastructure but also economic opportunities and social benefits to the region. Residents eagerly anticipate the opening of the new centre as a valuable addition to the city’s amenities and a hub for fostering wellbeing and community spirit.
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