A long-awaited community facility in Rhymney has officially opened its doors, following the successful Community Asset Transfer of the former Meals Direct building to JM Gym Fitness CIC.
The building, which previously served as a meals on wheels depot before being used for council storage, has been transformed into a thriving community gym after Caerphilly County Borough Council agreed to transfer the asset to the community organisation. The project forms part of the council’s wider programme to support local groups to take on and revitalise unused buildings for community benefit.
On Friday 6th March, a delegation including Nick Smith MP for Blaenau Gwent & Rhymney, Dawn Bowden MS for Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Mansel Powell, Cllr David Harse and Cllr Carl Cuss visited the facility to see the progress that has been made. They were welcomed by Judith Morgan, Director and Manager of JM Gym Fitness CIC, who provided a tour of the gym and spoke about its journey to opening.
Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity to see the success of this community asset transfer first-hand, where Judith has taken it from strength-to-strength. Thank you to Judith for your hard work and commitment in taking this brilliant facility into a thriving community asset.”
Judith Morgan, Director and Manager of JM Gym Fitness CIC, added:
“The asset transfer was a god-send to us. We wouldn’t be here today as a gym without it and the support of Caerphilly County Borough Council, GAVO and Coalfields Regeneration Trust. The people of Rhymney and surrounding villages have shown us that it’s important to have this vital asset in the community.”
