City leisure venues to get extra energy costs support

Around £1.5m is to be shared by Freedom Leisure, Wales National Pool Swansea and Swansea Arena management company ATG to help offset soaring energy bills.

The money is coming from the council’s £15m energy support fund agreed earlier this year and Cabinet has agreed the move.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the move was in the interests of many thousands of residents whose wellbeing and health depends on access to leisure and recreational facilities for exercise and socialising every week.

He said: “While swimming pools and leisure services elsewhere have been closing due to soaring energy costs, we’re playing our part in making sure that doesn’t happen to partner-operated council facilities in Swansea.

“Everyone knows that access to leisure, sport and entertainment helps keep us healthy and boosts our mental health. It’s especially the case for young children learning to swim, for example, and for older people who treat their local leisure facilities as a place to keep active and catch up with friends.”

Freedom Leisure, WNPS and ATG have already taken their own steps to reduce energy consumption and costs. Further action will be taking place, including plans to install further energy-saving measures in the near future.

Swansea Council owns the LC and leisure centres in Morriston, Bishopston, Penlan, Cefn Hengoed, Penyrheol and Elba Sports Complex. The facilities are managed by the not-for-profit trust Freedom Leisure on the council’s behalf. 

Similarly, Swansea Arena is managed for the council by ATG (Ambassador Theatre Group), a theatre management company.

Wales National Pool Swansea is jointly operated under a partnership between Swansea University and the council.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)