The Underhill Hub, a flagship community facility in the heart of Mumbles, will close on Saturday 12 July, following confirmation that the Underhill Management Company (UMC) is entering creditors’ voluntary liquidation. The closure comes just two years after the facility opened and is attributed to unsustainable financial burdens—chief among them an unexpectedly high business rates bill.
The Mumbles Community Association (MCA), the charity that owns the site, expressed deep regret in a joint statement with UMC, calling the closure a “difficult and heartbreaking decision.”
Financial Overhead Forces Liquidation
The key issue behind the closure was a surprisingly high Rateable Value (RV) assigned by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in August 2024. The initial RV of £100,000—later reduced to £74,500—resulted in rates bills of £93,000 over two years, despite some relief. “The level of business rates has been quite simply unsustainable,” said the UMC Directors. “Although we received some relief, the final bill still exceeded £56,000.”
MCA had anticipated eligibility for charitable rate relief, but due to the facility being operated by UMC—a private limited company wholly owned by MCA—it did not qualify. “The structure was created to reclaim VAT, a requirement imposed by HMRC,” explained the Trustees. “It was a financial mechanism, not a commercial strategy.”
(Image: Go Underhill)
A Hub for Local Sport and Community Life
Since its opening, the Underhill Hub has served as a home base for several local organisations, including Mumbles Rangers Football Club, Mumbles Rugby Football Club, and Swansea Cricket Club. These groups used the all-weather pitch, changing rooms, and social spaces for training, matches, and community events. The facility also hosted local fitness classes, youth programmes, and social gatherings, becoming a cornerstone of community life in Mumbles.
In a heartfelt statement, Mumbles RFC shared their concern: “We are aware of the recent sharing of a note regarding the insolvency of UMC and the temporary closure of The Community Hub and we feel deeply saddened by this development. The dedicated staff who have supported our club and the community through their work at the Hub are at the forefront of our minds during this difficult time.”
The club added that they are actively working with stakeholders to secure their future at Underhill Park: “As an independent club that uses the facilities, we are actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders to understand the implications and to proactively find a way forward for our home at Underhill Park. At this time, we remain confident that we will continue to have access to the facilities for the upcoming season and are committed to keeping our members informed as the situation evolves.”
Local Leaders Respond
Mumbles County Councillor Francesca O’Brien also responded to the news via Facebook, stating: “We (Team Mumbles) are saddened & disappointed to learn of the recent news regarding MCA/UMC and Underhill this evening. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and as ever, we will provide as much support as possible to all involved. We will keep you posted as and when we can.”
Meanwhile, Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart expressed his sympathy and outlined the council’s efforts to support the facility: “We were very sad to hear this news. Swansea Council has been working closely with Underhill Management Company and we’ve done everything we legally can to help them overcome their financial difficulties. Unfortunately, the company has decided to go into creditors’ voluntary liquidation. While this is regrettable, it gives the opportunity for others to come forward to manage the facilities.”
He added reassurance for local clubs and groups: “The pitches are used throughout the year and we know that a number of clubs and groups will be worried about whether they can continue to use these pitches in the meantime. We are working through a number of options to ensure local teams and groups can continue to use the pitches while the process of finding a new permanent management solution is found for the Underhill facilities.”
Immediate Closure, Uncertain Future
The Hub, changing rooms, and all-weather pitch will be closed to the public from July 13. A liquidator will be appointed to manage the winding-up process. MCA is currently engaging with funders and potential partners in the hope of reopening the facility under a new operator.
Despite the setback, the UMC Directors remain hopeful: “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Underhill and truly devastated that it has come to this. The dream is not over. We will do everything we can to see these much-needed community facilities reopened.”
Community Gratitude
In their final message, MCA and UMC offered sincere thanks: “We would like to thank all of our supporters—funders, volunteers, customers, and local businesses—who helped bring the vision of Go Underhill to life. Your belief in the project sustained us.”
Next Steps
While this chapter closes, conversations are underway to ensure the facility’s long-term future. Swansea Council’s involvement, along with the commitment of local clubs and community leaders, offers hope that Underhill Park will continue to serve the people of Mumbles.
For updates, visit the Go Underhill official website and follow Swansea Bay News for ongoing coverage.
