Newport City Council has issued an update on the progress of the new Newport Leisure Centre, confirming that work is moving forward and several key features of the modern leisure and wellbeing hub are now visible as groundworks continue.
New photographs show the progress on the riverfront site, near the city centre, including the outlines of the two pools and the lazy river.
Contractors Wynne Construction moved onto to the site in November 2024 and, following some enablement work, building began in earnest in January.
Foundations are now in place including digging out the swimming pools and the basement where the plant will be installed.
Over the next month, reinforced concreting, waterproofing and insulating will continue along with other essential works including the start of putting in the superstructure concrete frame and reinforced concrete works to continue generally.
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 will be one of the UK’s first fossil fuel-free mixed use leisure centres, powered exclusively by low carbon electricity.
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.
As with most major projects, there have been challenges to the timetable. Earlier this year, the remains of part of the former canal retaining wall was discovered during excavation.
In line with the planning conditions, and with former major archaeological finds in the area in mind, work had to be halted so archaeological experts could record the findings
This took some weeks to be carried out but, once completed, the remains could remain where they were and work could continue.
However, it has impacted the timetable a little. Originally, it was hoped that the new centre would be completed late summer next year. It is now anticipated that construction work will end in the autumn, and this will be following by fitting it out.
A confirmed date for opening will be announced closer to the time.
