Leisure centres face scrutiny in report

The future of leisure services across Powys, including Newtown's Maldwyn Sports Centre, The Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool, and similar facilities in Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion will come under scrutiny this month as councillors consider a long-term plan that could shape provision for years to come.

A report due before Powys County Council's Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee on June 17 sets out a four-year programme to review leisure services ahead of the current operating contract ending in 2030.

The review comes against a backdrop of continuing financial pressures on local government and follows several years of debate over the future of leisure facilities across the county. Previous proposals that could have led to significant changes to leisure provision were delayed in late 2024 after concerns were raised by councillors and communities. 

The latest report stresses that no closures are currently proposed. However, it acknowledges the need to balance the long-term affordability of leisure services with the importance of keeping facilities available in a large rural county.

Under the proposed timetable, the council will refresh data on leisure provision this year, then carry out local engagement with residents and stakeholders in autumn 2026. Potential models for a future "Active Powys" service will then be developed, followed by public consultation in 2027 and final decisions ahead of the introduction of a new contract in July 2030.

Alongside the review, Cabinet will be asked to consider further investment in the county's leisure estate.

The report says around £2.5 million has already been invested in leisure facilities since 2024, alongside external funding for energy-saving improvements. Cabinet will be asked to consider investment options worth between £3 million and £6 million over the next four years.

For residents in north Powys, the review will be closely watched given the importance of Maldwyn Sports Centre and The Flash Leisure Centre as major hubs for swimming, fitness classes, sports clubs and community activities.

Both centres have already benefited from investment aimed at reducing running costs. Maldwyn Sports Centre has received energy-efficiency improvements, including LED lighting and heating control upgrades, while The Flash has seen the installation of a major solar panel system as part of wider efforts to cut energy use across the county's leisure estate. 

According to Sport Wales, Powys County Council and its leisure partner Freedom Leisure have secured more than £500,000 in grant funding over the past three years to improve sustainability at leisure centres, including projects at Maldwyn and The Flash. 

Councillor Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, said: "Our leisure centres play a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents across Powys. They are places where people of all ages can stay active, connect with others and improve their quality of life.

"We want to increase participation in sport and leisure and this report, while recognising the significant challenges we face, sets out a positive way forward. At this point in time, we are investing in our leisure estate and have no proposals to close any leisure centres."

The scrutiny committee's feedback will inform a final report to Cabinet, which is due to make a decision on 14 July.

While the council insists there are currently no plans to shut any facilities, the review is expected to reignite debate about how leisure services should be delivered in Powys and what level of investment will be needed to secure the future of centres such as Maldwyn and The Flash over the next decade.