Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub
The Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub is a £38 million investment forming a key part of the Caerphilly 2035 regeneration plan and the Council’s wider Place Shaping programme. Located in the centre of Caerphilly town, the Hub will replace the existing Caerphilly Leisure Centre with a modern, accessible facility designed to support health, wellbeing, and community activity for years to come.
The project is funded through a combination of sources, including £20 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside capital investment from Caerphilly County Borough Council and other supporting grants. Reflecting the long-term ambitions set out in the Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019-2029, the Hub will bring together leisure, fitness, health, and community services under one roof, offering sustainable, inclusive facilities as part of a long-term vision for the town and the wider borough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Hub being built in Caerphilly?
Caerphilly is the most accessible location in the borough, with strong public transport links and a central position. The site was selected as part of the Caerphilly 2035 and Place Shaping programmes to support town centre regeneration and provide modern, inclusive facilities for residents across the county borough.
Why do we need a new leisure centre?
The existing leisure centre in Caerphilly is over 50 years old, costly to maintain, and no longer meets the needs of a modern leisure service. It currently operates at a loss. The new Hub will be energy-efficient, financially sustainable, and designed to support health, wellbeing, and community use long into the future.
What features will the Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub have?
The new two-storey Hub will include a 6 lane 25 m swimming pool, a leisure pool with two flumes and interactive water play, all served by spacious wet-changing facilities and pool-pod access for assisted entry. The health and wellbeing offer includes a health suite, Innerva suite and group cycling studio. Sports and games include a multi-purpose sports hall, two squash courts, a large adventure soft-play zone and a TAGactive arena. Community spaces include a welcoming café/lounge, Changing Places facilities, and full accessibility throughout.
How much is it costing and who is paying?
The total cost of the project is £38 million. £20 million was secured through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with the remainder funded by match funding and other sources. This is a capital investment project, so the funding is ringfenced and cannot be used for other services.
Why couldn’t the money be spent elsewhere?
The funding is specifically for this project. Caerphilly had to bid competitively to secure the Levelling Up Fund. If we hadn’t applied, the funding would have gone to a different area. It cannot be reallocated to other council services such as education, highways, or social care.
Is Caerphilly town being prioritised over the rest of the borough?
No. Caerphilly town was chosen due to its central location, transport links, and the condition of the existing site. Caerphilly County Borough currently operates more leisure centres than any other local authority in Wales, and this investment strengthens the wider network of facilities available to all residents, aligning with the Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019-2029.
Why not use existing buildings like libraries?
Existing community buildings such as libraries aren’t designed for swimming pools, sports halls, or health and fitness spaces. A purpose-built Hub offers far greater long-term value, flexibility, and sustainability than retrofitting older buildings.
Why is the pool only 1.1 metres deep?
The primary reasons are energy efficiency and flexibility. Heating a swimming pool is one of the largest running costs in a leisure centre. A single-depth pool uses less water, takes less energy to heat and is more sustainable to operate. It also improves safety and accessibility for young learners and less confident swimmers.
What features will the pool include?
The Hub will include a 25-metre pool, two flumes, and a dedicated interactive water play area, creating a fun and welcoming environment for families, as well as structured swim sessions.
Will swimming lessons continue at the new Hub?
Yes. Swimming lessons will continue to be delivered, in line with the Swim Wales Learn to Swim framework, with early and intermediate stages available at the new site. For advanced skills that require deeper water, such as diving or lifesaving techniques, we will work directly with those affected to provide a suitable solution at one of our other leisure centres.
Will the current swimming programme be affected?
The majority of the existing swimming programme – including public swim sessions, fitness classes, and children’s lessons – will transfer to the new Hub. For advanced skills that require deeper water, such as diving or lifesaving techniques, we will work directly with those affected to provide a suitable solution at one of our other leisure centres.
Will the new Hub be energy-efficient?
Yes. The building has been designed with sustainability in mind. It will use modern construction methods, sustainable technologies, and energy-efficient systems to reduce carbon emissions and running costs, supporting long-term environmental and financial sustainability.
