Torfaen Leisure Trust is pleased to confirm that Torfaen County Borough Council has today approved £1.2m of additional funding. This ensures the Trust can continue its vital work of providing community hubs for social interaction, physical health and mental wellness in the immediate future.
Like many leisure operators across Wales and the United Kingdom, Torfaen Leisure Trust has faced significant financial pressures in recent years. These primarily stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented rises in energy costs and inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
Despite these extraordinary strains, the Trust has recently shown positive signs of recovery. We have seen substantial increases in leisure memberships, reoccurring hiring of facilities and the gradual return of iconic events, including Crow Fest and Clubland Classix.
Our investment in a new gymnasium at Cwmbran Stadium and new Cycle Studio at Pontypool Active Living Centre, along with the introduction of the 'Legend' Leisure Management System, with new door access controls in August 2024, will enhance customer experience.
We have also doubled the number of learners participating in our NOFIO Swimming Academy and have ambitious plans to grow our swim numbers further. We continue to host a range of swimming clubs, which provides opportunities for swimmers to realise their sporting ambitions in an inclusive team environment.
Our National Exercise Referral Scheme continues to deliver life-changing health and wellbeing outcomes for thousands of Torfaen residents who were previously not physically active and have a medical condition. This vital service actively contributes towards reducing pressures on the NHS and secondary services at a time when such services are under enormous strain.
In addition to the funding, councillors approved a recommendation from officers for the future provision of leisure services in the borough to be put out for procurement when the current management agreement ends. We will now take the appropriate time to carefully assess the proposed procurement model. With our community roots and recent progress, the Trust is well-positioned to be the primary provider of leisure services in Torfaen.
In the meantime, we will be operating as normal and remain fully committed to delivering on our mission of enhancing the quality of life for all residents through our diverse range of health and wellbeing services.
We also thank our fantastic team members, whose passion and commitment to both the Trust and the communities we serve has played a pivotal role in Torfaen Leisure Trust remaining the lifeblood of the leisure and sporting community in the borough.
Thank you for your continued support of Torfaen Leisure Trust.
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