This month marks the opening of brand-new swimming facilities at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre, made possible by a £6 million investment secured by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.

The regeneration project, led by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, sees swimming facilities reintroduced to Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre after the previous pools fell into disrepair, leaving local residents without access to swimming provision for several years.

The refurbishment includes a new 25-metre, six-lane main pool, a dedicated teaching pool delivering a full swimming education programme, and a splash pool designed to encourage water confidence and provide a stimulating, sensory-rich experience for toddlers. The changing facilities have also been completely redesigned to enhance the overall visitor experience.

It is absolutely fantastic to see swimming return to the leisure centre. Swimming is a vital life skill that should be accessible to everyone, especially children. It’s great to see so many people already enjoying the new facilities, and to know that the decarbonisation works carried out as part of the project have significantly improved energy efficiency, securing a sustainable future for the building.

Councillor Geraint Thomas
Leader of Merthyr County Borough Council

The new facilities officially opened on , in a small ceremony attended by Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure: ‘This project has been a truly collaborative effort. Working with partners through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), including Universal Construction, Myrtha Pools, Savernake Property Consultants and architects, BGH, we were able to bring leisure specialism to every aspect of the project, maximising efficiencies and expertise to deliver an outcome that will serve the community for many years to come.’

The leisure centre remained open throughout the build so people could continue to benefit from the sports hall, the fitness suite and the exercise studios.

Working with Alliance Leisure we achieved an amazing outcome. Swimming is now firmly back on the timetable and the community has a full complement of sport and leisure facilities to support a happy, healthy active life at all stages of their life journey. The sustainability works carried out also support the council’s net zero ambitions, creating a leisure centre that is fit for purpose both now and long into the future.

Councillor Geraint Thomas
Leader of Merthyr County Borough Council