County Council to review leisure centres

Powys County Council is currently conducting an extensive review of leisure facilities across the county in partnership with Freedom Leisure to establish a sustainable model for future generations.

The council has 14 leisure facilities, including 12 swimming pools, which are managed by not-for-profit company Freedom Leisure as part of a 15-year contract that began on July 1, 2015.

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Leisure services are facing unprecedented pressure due to the cost-of-living crisis and the disastrous increase in energy prices, which is particularly damaging for high-energy users such as swimming pools, according to Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby.

According to the county council, the current service model is unsustainable and must change to make it affordable and fit-for-purpose for Powys residents.

The review is considering a wide range of data, including building condition, facilities provided, cost, public and stakeholder use, and investment needs to consider future options.

Councillor Selby stated that the review will be thorough and will not be rushed, with the opinions of all interested parties being gathered, including the people of Powys, schools, community and sport organizations, public service partners, and staff.

"We have established a review team and have identified a lead officer to progress this important work. We will provide regular review bulletins going forward and we look forward to progressing the work with all stakeholders," he added.

Leisure facilities are highly valued, and Councillor Selby noted that the council aims to put them on a sound footing for the future by engaging with everyone. The council's review of the leisure facilities will be ongoing, and updates will be provided as the review progresses.