Vale of Glamorgan Council is preparing to make a significant decision regarding the future of Holm View Leisure Centre in Barry. The Council has decided to put a lease for the leisure centre out to the market in 2025, marking a crucial step in determining how the facility will be utilised moving forward.
The leisure centre, which was temporarily used as a mass vaccination centre by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board during the Covid-19 pandemic, came back under council control in March 2023. Now, with the lease set to be offered for a five-year period, potential bidders will have the opportunity to propose how they plan to utilise the building for community purposes.
Cllr Gwyn John, cabinet member for leisure, sport, and wellbeing, emphasised the importance of any bids having a positive impact on the community. Council leader Lis Burnett described the decision to put the lease out to market as a “really exciting initiative,” highlighting the potential for the community to benefit from innovative uses of the space.
The marketing exercise for the lease of Holm View Leisure Centre is scheduled to take place in early 2025. The building will be offered in its current condition, with the new tenant responsible for full repairing and maintenance obligations. This move is expected to lead to cost savings for Vale of Glamorgan Council, with the incoming tenant taking on responsibilities for utilities charges and business rates.
During the lease period, the Council will continue to assess the future of the building and explore ways to maximise its usage for the benefit of the community. Cllr John stressed the importance of filling and utilising the building effectively, especially after its role as a vaccination centre, by stating, “we need to get this building filled and used.”
It is evident that the future of Holm View Leisure Centre holds significant potential for community engagement and development in Barry. With the Council’s decision to open up the lease for the facility, there is an opportunity for innovative ideas and proposals to shape the future use of the building, creating a positive impact on the local area.
As the marketing process unfolds in 2025, it will be interesting to see the proposals put forward by potential tenants and how the Council will work towards ensuring that the leisure centre remains a valuable asset for the community. With a focus on community benefit and engagement, the future of Holm View Leisure Centre is poised to be a key aspect of Barry’s ongoing development and growth.