Pentwyn Leisure Centre's swimming pool will finally reopen on Monday, July 27, after more than six years of closure and community campaigning. The pool closed in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and remained shut even as other Cardiff leisure centres fully reopened.
Campaign success after years of uncertainty
The facility's closure became a contentious issue. During the pandemic, Cardiff Rugby trained at the centre, and it was used as a temporary mass vaccination centre, meaning the public could not use the facilities. A campaign petition highlighted residents' concerns, stating: "Whilst all other leisure facilities in Cardiff have fully re-opened, Pentwyn Leisure Centre is still closed. Pentwyn has seen no benefit from the use of the leisure centre by Cardiff Rugby or as a Covid vaccination centre. That money has gone elsewhere. Pentwyn is a deprived and forgotten area."
In 2024, Cardiff Rugby pulled out of plans to occupy a section of the centre under a 25-year lease. After around 18 months of building work to replace the pre-existing pool, Cardiff Council confirmed the reopening.
New features and community reaction
The new 25m swimming pool features adaptable moving floors, a new slide, and a "family-focused aquatic play area." Rhian Vernall, who helped set up the Save Pentwyn Leisure Centre group, expressed relief but also concerns about affordability. "If it costs the same as other leisure centres in Cardiff you could be looking at spending £40 for a family to go for a swim and that's a lot with the current cost of living," she said. "It shouldn't be that you have to be wealthy to go for a swim."
Vernall added: "I was talking to my daughter about it earlier and she doesn't even remember the pool because she's eight. That is how long it has been for these children." Online reactions were mixed, with one person writing: "Looks fab. Can't wait for a dip in lane one," while another said: "Preferred the old look."
Further upgrades planned
Cardiff council's cabinet member Jen Burke thanked residents for their patience and said this "wasn't the end" of investment. GLL, which operates the centre, is creating a new gym space in the main activities hall and converting the current gym into a dedicated fitness class studio. The main reception area is also being redesigned and upgraded.
