Major Improvements have been unveiled at a popular community leisure centre in Swansea.
Freedom Leisure has operated local centres on behalf of Swansea Council for almost 18 months – and together they are improving leisure locally, with a £5.1m council-funded investment across the city.
The Freedom Leisure team, council colleagues and companies involved in developing the new-look facilities have officially unveiled the refreshed centre at Penyrheol.
It has a refurbished fitness facility with new TechnoGym equipment, a new fitness studio as well as a smart new functional training space including an indoor track. This brings an enhanced fitness experience to Penyrheol.
The pool changing rooms have been redeveloped and modernised, offering a more pleasant experience for users. A community space has been created in reception, making the centre a go-to venue for local people.
New facilities at the city centre LC and improvements to the Penlan, Morriston and Bishopston leisure centres are already attracting new members. Upgrades will follow at locations such as Cefn Hengoed.
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “Our partnership with Freedom Leisure is long term and we welcome their vision for much improved facilities on behalf of people across Swansea.”
David Hopkins, the council’s cabinet member for delivery and performance – and joint-interim deputy leader, said: “We made a £5.1m capital improvements pledge to our leisure centre customers and the improvements at Penyrheol show that we’re delivering on that.”
Emma Evans, general manager of Penyrheol Leisure Centre, said: “We’re improving Swansea’s leisure centres and bringing a buzz back into the community.
“Penyrheol is looking fantastic and is becoming the community hub everyone has been looking for.
“Our site welcomes everyone, from families wanting to swim or enrol their children on swim lessons, to people who want to work out socially in a range of classes, to those who want to get their head down and train in our new gym and to those who simply want to catch up and have a Costa coffee.
“We’re proud of our facilities; they’re some of the best in South Wales!
“It’s been great being involved in shaping this community-based site. We thank our customers for their patience – and we hope they’re as excited as we are by the changes.
“With more classes and new equipment all our customers can enjoy an amazing health and fitness experience. There is lots to get excited about at Penyrheol!”
The improvements at the Penyrheol centre – on the Penyrheol Comprehensive School campus in Gorseinon – have also had a close focus on energy saving.
Work has included new high-efficiency gas boilers and LED lights in the pool, sports hall, changing rooms, gym hall and corridors.
An energy-efficient new pool cover has been installed along with high-efficiency heating circuit pumps and motors. New heating and ventilation controls are in place to help deliver long-term environmental and sustainability benefits.
Cllr Francis-Davies, said: “Energy efficiency is an important aspect of the improvements at Penyrheol. The council has made serious commitments to improve our local environment by reducing our carbon footprint – and our leisure centre work is part of that work.”
