Sports changing rooms, skate parks and neighbourhood improvement projects are set to be boosted by almost £10m over the coming years, under plans approved by Swansea Council’s Cabinet.
Extra investment in the councillor-led Community Investment Fund will see it rise to almost £10m by 2027 for spending on neighbourhood projects that matter to local people.
Under proposals agreed by Cabinet, sports changing places at Cwm Level, Trallwn, Ynystawe, Tir Canol, Blaenymaes and Bonymaen are all set to benefit from funding totalling £3m.
As well as direct support from the council, the funding includes grant aid from a variety of sources and a potential £1m spread over two years from the Cymru Football Foundation.
In addition, the skate parks programme that’s already seen one open at Coed Bach and two more consultations earmarked for Gowerton and Ynystawe, will be boosted to at least £2.9m by 2027. The wheeled sports master plan includes proposals for a roll-out of facilities so that no-one is more than a couple of miles away from their nearest one.
On top of that, councillors will see the Community Investment fund increase by a further £1m so that ward members can invest in a wide range of local assets such as reinstalling woodland paths, extra play equipment and supporting community ventures, to name but a few.
The near-£10m of investment covers the period between 2024/25 and 2026/27 and
Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said it was further evidence that the council is investing in projects that matter to communities right across the city.
He said: “Coming on top of targeted funding like £8m for play areas across our city, the Community Investment Fund is designed so that no neighbourhood feels left behind or overlooked when it comes to the little things that can make a big difference.
“Residents told us they wanted more play areas that are modern and accessible. So we have delivered more than 60 of them.
“They told us they wanted to never be far from good quality skate parks. So we are delivering a multi-layered network of facilities that create a stage for inspirational riding and make it easy for anyone to take up wheeled sports in their community.
“And they’ve said sports changing facilities need upgrading so they are fit for a modern environment and available to all. So now we are acting on that too.”
He added: “Councillors are uniquely well-placed to know what kind of small-scale projects and initiatives going on in their area deserve a boost from the council.
“By boosting councillors’ community budget schemes to almost £4m in the period between 2024/25 ad 2026/27 we’ll be able to make sure the money goes a long way, making a difference all across Swansea.”
Cllr Stewart said: “The pandemic demonstrated beyond doubt the importance of outdoor facilities to our communities, the wellbeing of young people and families and the value of decent facilities on their doorsteps.
“In the cost of living crisis, we’ve continued to see just how important outdoor facilities have been to groups, families and individuals. It’s resulting in the biggest investment in outdoor community play and sports facilities by the council in more than a generation.”
