Exciting plans for new and enhanced sporting facilities in Ystrad Mynach are being considered by Caerphilly Council
A meeting of the council’s Education Scrutiny Committee will be presented with ambitious investment proposals to deliver an improved senior pitch at Sue Noakes Leisure Centre with dedicated spectator areas, barriers and enhanced lighting.
In addition, it is proposed that a second, full sized pitch is also created at the site to provide additional capacity for local sports clubs.
The plans are being considered as part of ongoing discussions around a multi-million pound extension to nearby Trinity Fields Special School – a flagship centre for some of the most vulnerable children in our community.
The development footprint of the proposed school extension would lead to the loss of an adjacent, council-owned rugby pitch next to the site. In order to compensate for the loss of this facility, the council has unveiled plans for new and enhanced pitches at Sue Noakes Leisure Centre – a 10 minute walk away.
Cabinet Member, Cllr Ross Whiting said, “These are exciting proposals which will create a new and improved sporting hub in the heart of Ystrad Mynach. Local clubs will be able to benefit from upgraded facilities, providing increased capacity for training and matches if the plans proceed.
We recognise that there are some concerns in the community about the loss of the existing pitch to allow the school expansion, but we need to weigh this against the pressing need to provide specialist facilities for children with significant physical and cognitive disabilities.
Trinity Fields School is reaching capacity and is unable to meet current and future demand, so we need to expand the site to ensure the school can provide our most vulnerable children with the facilities and support they require.”
The committee will be asked to endorse the recommendations before the council’s Cabinet decides whether the school extension plans should proceed to the next stage of the statutory process under the 21st Century Schools Band B programme.
