Construction will start in early August 2026 on a substantial new outdoor fitness facility beside the water at Cardiff Bay, the council has confirmed. The scheme — to be called the Cardiff Bay Calisthenics Park — will enlarge the current exercise provision on the Barrage and develop what the council describes as the largest outdoor exercise area in a Cardiff park.
What will be built
Contracted to Encon Construction, the project will create a multi-zoned fitness hub intended for free public use. Planned elements include strength and bodyweight apparatus, a series of timed or obstacle-style lanes for cardiovascular training, sports practice areas and small-court facilities for ball sports. A warm-up running loop, seating and a water-facing yoga and stretching zone are also part of the design.
The council says the design will also include features for accessibility and year-round use, including wheelchair-accessible equipment and a sheltered central feature wall that offers climbing and grip-strength activities, exercise guidance and protection from coastal winds.
“This exciting new facility will provide free opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, improve their health in a stunning waterfront location,”
Those comments were made by Cllr Jennifer Burke, the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism.
Facilities at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calisthenics area | Pull-up bars, resistance equipment, tyre flips, sit-up stations, jumping blocks, lunge steps |
| Obstacle lanes | Three lanes offering cardiovascular and agility challenges |
| Sports practice & courts | Half-court football and basketball; football skills challenges, rebound walls, football tennis, interactive target games |
| Running loop | 120-metre warm-up loop |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible equipment |
Local impact and context
The development forms part of Cardiff Council’s stated ambition to encourage residents to be more active by improving green-space facilities. As a free-to-use asset on a prominent waterfront location, the park could attract both residents and visitors, complementing existing recreational uses of the Bay.
Questions that will attract local scrutiny include how the site will be managed and maintained, whether the new layout will affect informal uses of the Barrage promenade and how the council will measure public take-up. The council has framed the project as a way to deliver “high quality facilities in our green spaces” and to make the city more attractive for people who live and work here.
Practical information for users
- The facility is intended to be free to use.
- Work is due to start in early August 2026, under contract to Encon Construction.
- Accessible equipment and sheltered areas are included in the scheme to support year-round use.
Further details on the timetable for completion, opening arrangements and any planned participation programmes are expected to be released by the council as the contractor mobilises on site.
