Following several weeks of preparatory work on the site, the latest stage of the construction involves piling work for the new centre’s foundations.
Due to be opened to the public next year, the new centre will include a modern leisure pool, with fun elements including a “lazy river”, slides and play equipment, as well as a teaching pool for children’s swimming lessons and exercise sessions.
It will also have modern changing facilities, a café and relaxation area, fitness suite and large active space for community use, group activities and children’s birthday parties.
The new centre is expected to be among the UK’s first net zero facility of its kind, powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources.
More than 55 per cent of the costs are being met by external funding including the Welsh government’s transforming towns programme and from the UK government.
Welsh company Wynne Construction was awarded the contract to build the new centre. The development will safeguard around 400 jobs during construction, with a goal for 40 per cent of the workforce sourced locally.
Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for culture and communications, said: “This is another significant milestone in the creation of a modern leisure centre that can be enjoyed by all residents from across the city.
“Leisure centres today are places where people of all ages can keep healthy, learn to swim, take part in activities and have fun – and this will all be provided in our new city centre facility that is located close to car parks and the bus stations. I know that, like me, many residents are very excited about the project and looking forward to it opening.”
A spokesperson for the company said: “Wynne construction is pleased to have started the construction phase of this exciting project for the residents across the city of Newport. We will also be working with the council and a range of local community stakeholders to deliver additional social value and community benefits alongside the construction works.”
