Pentwyn Leisure Centre swimming pool refurbishment is due to start – nearly five years after shutting
SWIMMERS in Pentwyn can finally look forward to the reopening of their pool as it’s confirmed that renovations will finally begin in December.
Frustrated customers have not had access to their pool since March 2020 when it closed due to the pandemic, but contracts have now been signed with developers to begin the process of reopening it, the council have said.
It is hoped swimmers will be back in the pool by Autumn 2025.
Plans to renovate the building were initially put forward in 2021, and while some parts of the leisure centre have reopened, the pool has always remained shut.
But now the pool will undergo a full refurbishment ahead of being re-opened. It will include a floor with a variable depth, plus solar panels. And an air source heat pump will be installed to keep the pool warm.
Not all locals are satisfied with the proposed renovations, and many are frustrated with how long it has taken to get the pool reopened.
Bryn Guy, 78, from Pentwyn took his grandkids to the pool prior to its closing and said: “I feel so sorry for the kids who will have gone five summers with no pool.
“I’ve never been too sure what’s going on with it. I don’t like the new design, surely it would be cheaper just to retile the previous set up.”
Another resident, Rita Orsi, said: “We’re told by the Government that swimming is good for our health, but we haven’t had access to it for years.
“Realistically our closest pools are probably Llanishen or Llanrumney, so if you haven’t got a car or can’t drive there’s nowhere for you to swim.”
Pentwyn leisure centre timeline
Pentwyn Councillor Joseph Carter said: “The council have consistently let people down. The public have had petitions, meetings, and there’s an active campaign group.
“People want it reopened but feel there has been a lack of consultation. The council only changed their initial plans for the pool following the community backlash.”
Rhian Vernall, from Save Pentwyn Leisure Centre campaign group, questioned the council’s consultation process during the planning of the renovations.
She said: “Despite efforts to engage with Cardiff Council representatives we feel very much ignored as a community.”
In response to this comment a council spokesperson said: “The feedback given by local residents at community engagement events held, as well as received via email, has played an important role in the development of plans for the pool at Pentwyn Leisure Centre, the designs for which have changed significantly as a result of residents’ views.”
There is also optimism that the renovated pool will prove an exciting addition to the community.
Coun Carter said: “The new proposed pool does sound very exciting and should provide a space for people of all ages. I’m sure there will be great demand to get back in the pool.”
Emily Ray, 25, lives in Penylan and learnt to swim at Pentwyn swimming pool 20 years ago. She said: “I used to love my swimming lessons there; I didn’t realise it had been shut for so long but it’s exciting that kids will get to use it again.”
