Contract award to build new leisure centre in Newport

Wynne Construction have been appointed by Newport City Council to deliver the new facility, which will include a modern leisure pool with fun elements including a lazy river, slides, and play equipment.

There will also be a teaching pool for children’s swimming lessons and exercise sessions, modern changing facilities, a café and relaxation area, fitness suite, and a large active space for community use, group activities and children’s birthday parties.

The project, which will be among the UK’s first Net Zero leisure centres powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources, will welcome approximately 12 apprentices as well as provide 20 placements for individuals including college and university students and those seeking employment.

Wynne Construction will also be recruiting for local personnel as well as aiming for at least 40 per cent of the supply chain to be based within the Cardiff Capital Region.

Steve Davies, construction director at Wynne Construction, said: “We’re excited to start work on what is a challenging project.

“It’s a compact site next to the university and adjacent to the main route into the city, with added complexities related to excavations next to the river and the use of reinforced concrete.

“Our team are looking forward to navigating these and delivering a facility that will be of huge benefit to the people of Newport for many years to come.”

The community pool will be 25m in length while the leisure pool including lazy river will cover 550m2.

In a nod to the previous facility, the new centre will include salvaged timber and glass from Newport Centre, which will be used to create items such as tables, tiles and other design elements.

Wynne Construction is scheduled to start on site in early 2025, with the facility expected to open to the public in 2026.

Wynne Construction managing director Chris Wynne said: “We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project for Newport. Collaborating closely with the council team and our partners, we aim to deliver this innovative facility promoting leisure and well-being for the community.

“As with all our high-quality projects, social value is central to our mission. This development will safeguard around 400 jobs during construction, with a goal for 40 per cent of the workforce sourced locally. Beyond job creation, we are also committed to fostering community engagement and sustainable practices within our supply chain, ensuring that the project leaves a lasting, positive impact in the region.”

More than 55% of the new leisure centre’s cost comes from external funding including the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the UK Government.

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said: “This is one of the most eagerly anticipated new developments in the city and will provide fantastic new swimming and leisure facilities close to the city centre.

“It will be a community space for residents of all ages, where people can maintain and improve their wellbeing, and young people can have fun in a safe environment.”

Ross Williams, associate director at multi-disciplinary professional services firm WSP, which is managing the project, said: “We’re proud to support Newport City Council in bringing this high-quality, sustainable facility to the community. Our focus has been on ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-coordinated approach to deliver a state-of-the-art centre, and we look forward to seeing it serve residents and visitors alike for years to come.”