Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Committee voted through the plans unanimously in January and now the Planning Committee have endorsed the Cold Mill Plateau area as the right site for the new centre.
The new sports centre will eventually replace the out of date Ebbw Vale Sports Centre and will be fit for purpose for the 21st Century. Facilities will include a 25metre six lane competition pool, a café, sports hall, fitness zone, weights room and dance area. There will be two outdoor sports pitches – one grass and synthetic – and a multi-use games area. Main works are expected to begin on site in the summer of 2011.
This new sports complex will complement the state-of-the-art education facilities already planned for the former steelworks site. This includes massive investment in new secondary and primary schools, a new purpose built school for the pupils of Pen-y-Cwm, an integrated children’s centre, a Learning Zone with provision for post-16 education, a state-of-the-art energy centre and a biodiversity centre.
Councillor Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “Our bold and exciting ambition to regenerate the former steelworks site and transform leisure, education and training opportunities for the people of Blaenau Gwent is really stepping up a gear. I am pleased that the Planning Committee has given the go ahead so work on the exciting new sports centre can start soon.”
Councillor Jason Owen, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Leisure added: “The people of Blaenau Gwent deserve access to the very best sports and leisure facilities to be able to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The new sports centre will be a fantastic facility that will cater for people of all ages including those who may normally experience barriers to sport and physical activity.”
The Works is the new development vision for the future of Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent. The regeneration of the former steelworks site is an ongoing project that has already given employment to many hundreds of people and is set to produce long term benefits for the area.
The Masterplan proposes a mix of uses including a Learning Campus, Local General Hospital, Leisure Centre and Sports Pitches, a Theatre, high quality offices and around 500 homes. Mixed-use areas will be predominantly residential with local amenities such as a corner shop and smaller business units.
A planned business hub is intended to provide opportunities for a range of businesses in the area and act as a showcase for the local economy as it continues to grow. Facilities for R&D industries as well as incubation support for nascent companies are being discussed by local stakeholders, with the intention of capitalizing on the area’s market-leading position in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
For further information on investment opportunities in the area, visit our Blaenau Gwent Borough Council pages
