Cabinet backs countywide programme and energy upgrades
Powys County Council’s Cabinet has approved a £6 million capital programme to carry out essential works across the county’s leisure centres over the next four years, alongside a further £500,000–£650,000 of short‑term energy efficiency measures, subject to available grants and resources. The decision was taken on 14 July following scrutiny by the Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee, which supported the approach adopted.
Members selected Option C for an interim leisure capital package, allowing maintenance, compliance, improvement and replacement projects to proceed at sites throughout Powys. The council said this ensures it continues to meet legal duties as landlord while tackling a range of identified needs across the leisure estate.
“Leisure centres play an important role in supporting healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and community connections. This decision demonstrates our commitment to maintaining access to these important facilities while planning responsibly for the future. The decision means there are no immediate plans to close leisure centres.”
What the programme covers
The capital plan will focus on works necessary to keep facilities compliant, safe and usable, while improving the condition of buildings and equipment where required. Cabinet has also authorised completion of remaining short‑term energy interventions to curb running costs and improve resilience, with the additional investment estimated at £500,000–£650,000, dependent on external funding.
- Countywide spend of £6m on maintenance, compliance, improvement and replacement over four years.
- Further £500k–£650k to finish priority energy efficiency projects, subject to grants and resources.
- No immediate closures of leisure centres, with access to facilities maintained.
| Element | Amount/Timing |
|---|---|
| Interim capital programme | £6,000,000 over 4 years |
| Energy efficiency measures | £500,000–£650,000 (grant/resources dependent) |
| Contract re‑tender | Planned for 2030 |
Why it matters for residents
Leisure centres in Powys are widely used for sport, exercise classes, swimming and community activity. The council’s decision signals a commitment to keep facilities open while carrying out the work needed to keep buildings safe and fit for purpose. By investing across all sites rather than concentrating resources in one or two locations, the Cabinet aims to protect equitable access across the county and reduce the chance of unplanned shutdowns due to building failures or compliance issues.
The additional efficiency upgrades are designed to limit energy consumption and bills, a significant cost pressure for large public buildings. Completing these measures—where grant funding can be secured—could help stabilise future operating budgets and support the environmental performance of the leisure estate.
Next steps: shaping ‘Active Powys’ and the 2030 re‑tender
Alongside the capital works, Cabinet agreed to progress a renewed review of leisure provision ahead of the council’s leisure contract being re‑tendered in 2030. This review will look beyond the current contract to consider the role of community‑based activity, use of school facilities and partnership options. The intention is to develop an ‘Active Powys’ model that is sustainable, affordable and accessible for residents.
The process will include updated leisure and locality data for Powys, community engagement and local conversations. This evidence‑gathering phase will inform how services are delivered in the next contract period, testing opportunities for collaboration and aiming to align provision with local need across rural and town settings.
Oversight and accountability
The proposals were examined by the Economy, Residents and Communities Scrutiny Committee prior to the Cabinet decision, with the committee endorsing Option C as the preferred route. The council states the chosen path balances statutory responsibilities, user access and cost control, while giving time to reshape the long‑term model of provision before 2030.
For residents, the immediate headline is continuity: centres remain open while planned investment is phased in. The broader review will determine how the service evolves, with the council signalling early that it wants a countywide approach which recognises community activity and school‑based opportunities alongside the main leisure estate.
