PLANS for more than £800,000 worth of improvements to Barry Leisure Centre have been given the green light by the Vale council

At a meeting of full council on Wednesday, September 28, councillors unanimously backed proposals to spend £640,000 on improving the wet changing areas and £200,000 on the main hall floor.

The money will come out of the council's building fund as part of its capital programme.

The council's leisure management partner Legacy Leisure are responsible for the day to day up keep of the centre with the Vale council responsible for its maintenance.

Cllr Gwyn John, cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services said: "The sports hall floor in Barry Leisure Centre is original to the centre and has been properly maintained.

"It is now however in need of replacement as it is badly worn in several areas and is structurally weak.

"The wet facilities at Barry Leisure Centre are in a poor condition and have not been upgraded since the centres were first opened.

"During recent customer surveys carried out by both the council and Legacy Leisure, the quality of these facilities has been the major point of criticism and the most widely cited reason as to why potential customers do not use the centres."

He told council there is now funding available to carry out these works required after continuous discussions with the leader.

He also confirmed that there would be no rise in membership fees as a result.

The contract with Legacy Leisure expires in 2022 but they are currently considering a five year extension.

The council and Legacy Leisure have agreed there will be no claim for loss of income during the works because of the long term benefits the changes will have.

Cllr John said that Legacy Leisure has an obligation to make sure the centres are in the same condition at the end as they were at the start.

But he added: "The dry changing facilities in Barry were opened in 1998 and were refurbished in 2012, and therefore do not require upgrading at this time."

There will also be a £50,000 contingency fund available.