Community group ‘eager’ to open gym at disused council building after handover

A community group in Rhymney will take over a disused council building to set up a new gym.

The building, near the St Clare’s sheltered housing complex, was formerly a meals on wheels kitchen, but has been used for storage since 2008.

JM Fitness, a community interest company, will open the new gym after securing a Community Asset Transfer of the building from Caerphilly County Borough Council.

Kim Dufty, speaking on behalf of its new operators, said the proposed gym will be a “welcoming and non-judgemental inclusive environment”, and a “place to meet and make friends”.

The group had been left looking for a new home after their previous gym site was earmarked for redevelopment.

The local authority is facing “significant financial challenges”, and hopes that transferring or selling unwanted assets will help save money.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, on Wednesday May 21, council deputy leader Cllr Jamie Pritchard said the replacement gym was “one of several pilot projects being progressed under the refreshed Community Asset Transfer approach” the council approved in 2024.

At the meeting, Mr Dufty said the group had surveyed its members to find out what the gym meant to them.

A teenage attendee said the gym “benefits my self-esteem”, while a 76-year-old member said it was an “essential part of my health”.

Cabinet members voted unanimously to approve the Community Asset Transfer, and fund around £42,000 worth of site safety works.

Mr Dufty told the meeting the community group is “eager to open at this new location”.

Cllr Sean Morgan, who leads the council, said it was “great to see a community coming together and wanting to work on behalf of the community”.