Residents across Neath Port Talbot are set to benefit from more than £3.3 million of investment aimed at modernising leisure centres, expanding activities and improving health and wellbeing opportunities.
The programme, developed in partnership between Neath Port Talbot Council and Celtic Leisure, includes new fitness facilities, specialist wellbeing spaces, padel courts and gym upgrades.
The investment builds on the council’s commitment to improving leisure facilities while supporting Celtic Leisure to increase membership, attract new users and improve the health of communities.
It is also expected to generate additional income that can be reinvested into services.
Aberavon Leisure Centre
Aberavon Leisure Centre is set to receive £708,000 of investment, with work due to begin shortly and the upgraded facilities targeted to open in autumn 2026.
The project will include a new Reformer Pilates studio, an activity that has grown significantly in popularity across the UK.
Part of the sports hall viewing gallery will be redeveloped to extend the gym, while a new wellbeing and recovery space will also be created.
The centre will introduce an EGYM fitness system, using smart technology and personalised programmes to support exercise, rehabilitation and people with long-term health conditions.
Pontardawe Leisure Centre
A proposed £2.1 million redevelopment could significantly transform Pontardawe Leisure Centre.
Plans include a completely new gym at the front of the building, additional fitness studio space and a new hybrid gym designed around emerging fitness trends and customer demand.
The scheme is being designed to complement longer-term plans for a future swimming pool in the area.
Although funding for a new pool has not yet been secured, the council is committing £250,000 to progress the designs to the next stage.
The council said the move demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering a modern swimming facility for the Swansea Valley when funding opportunities become available.
Neath Sports Centre
Two new padel tennis courts are planned for Neath Sports Centre, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to Neath Port Talbot.
The project would transform currently unused tennis courts and, subject to planning approval, could be completed by spring 2027.
Celtic Leisure also plans to invest around £150,000 from its own reserves to upgrade the gym with new equipment and modernised facilities.
Vale of Neath Leisure Centre
Early plans are being developed to upgrade the gym facilities at the Vale of Neath Leisure Centre in Glynneath.
While the proposals remain at an early stage, Celtic Leisure has confirmed its intention to improve the facility for customers.
Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “This investment programme demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality leisure facilities for communities across Neath Port Talbot. From innovative fitness spaces at Aberavon to exciting new sports opportunities in Neath and major improvements in Pontardawe, these projects will help more people become active, improve their wellbeing and enjoy modern facilities close to home.”
Jamie Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Celtic Leisure added:
“We’re delighted to be working with Neath Port Talbot Council on this ambitious investment programme. These developments will transform the customer experience across our facilities, helping more people become active, improve their health and enjoy the benefits of modern, high-quality leisure services. Importantly, this investment will also strengthen the long-term sustainability of our centres, enabling us to reinvest in facilities and services that support healthier communities across the county borough.”
The investment programme is expected to improve facilities for residents while increasing participation in physical activity, sport and wellbeing services across Neath Port Talbot.
The proposals are also forecast to generate significant additional income over the coming years, reducing the long-term cost of operating leisure facilities and supporting their future sustainability.
