New sports pitch to be installed at Ystradgynlais Sports Centre

19 February 2024

Work to install a new sports pitch at a south Powys sports centre will take place later this year, it has been announced.

A new sand-dressed AstroTurf will be installed at Ystradgynlais Sports Centre, replacing the outdated sports pitch. As part of the works, an improved lighting scheme will also be installed.

The works will be carried out after Powys County Council successfully secured a £350,000 Community Focussed Schools Capital Grant from the Welsh Government.

The council and its leisure partner, Freedom Leisure, carried out a survey with key stakeholders including schools and sports clubs to seek their views on the type of replacement pitch they would like to see installed.

The survey received 286 responses, which assisted the council and Freedom Leisure in its decision to install the sand-dressed AstroTurf.

The pitch will be suitable for a wide variety of outdoor sports for the school, sporting clubs and recreational groups in and around the Ystradgynlais area to use.

This project is part of a programme to improve facilities across the county to provide positive benefits to the health and well-being for the communities of Powys.

Cllr David Selby, Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: "I'm delighted that work to install a new sports pitch at Ystradgynlais Sports Centre is to start shortly.

"This development demonstrates our continued commitment to provide high-quality, inclusive and fully accessible leisure facilities for all communities in Powys.  It is also another great example of partnership working between the council and Freedom Leisure."

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: "One of the aims in the Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys is to improve the learner entitlement and experience.

"The refurbished pitch, which will enhance the facilities at the centre, will help the council meet this aim. Not only will members of the community benefit from this improved pitch, but it will also provide an all-weather surface to help learners improve and enhance their sporting prowess and their wellbeing."

Gwyn Owen, Area Manager in South Powys for Freedom Leisure, said: "We are delighted to work with our partners at Powys County Council to provide the community of Ystradgynlais a much-improved user experience which we are in no doubt will be welcomed by not only the school, but many groups, teams and individuals across the area."

Phil Grimes, Headteacher of Ysgol Maesydderwen, said: "We are really pleased to be working in partnership with the council and Freedom Leisure to secure an updated sports pitch for both our learners and the local community to use.

"The new facilities will enhance the high-quality provision we have at Ysgol Maesydderwen and allow our learners to go from strength to strength in the development of their sporting skills."

The pitch resurfacing work will be undertaken this Spring/Summer following a tender process to appoint a contractor.  The floodlight upgrade will be completed by the end of March.