Minutes

Cllr Charles Ferris asked:

I understand that there are severe structural problems with the Leisure Centre resulting from years of lack of investment in maintenance. We have lost the use of the auditorium due to an inability to make an investment of £700,000 to replace the seating, the filtration system for the swimming pool has never been replaced in facility’s entire working life and given the structural weakness of the balcony and parts of the first floor only 40% of the entire building can be used. Can you affirm Newport Council’s commitment to this building? When will the necessary repairs be made? Do you recognise that even if this pool was operational there is a marked under provision of swimming amenity for a city of our size?

Cllr Debbie Harvey responded:

The councils total capital asset maintenance budget is £1.5Million per annum and as such investment has to be prioritised.

Newport Norse are currently carrying out detailed inspection needed to identify and determine the extent and cost of any repairs.

I am committed to supporting and improving City Centre leisure provision as well as our provision at NISV. Following the post Covid reopening of leisure services, the other three Newport Live pools are open alongside a number of private operators.