Demolition work has begun at the former Ystrad Mynach Hospital site to make way for a new £6 million sports centre.
The centre, which was announced by the then Plaid-controlled council in January this year, will have state-of-the-art all-weather rugby and football pitches, grandstands and floodlights as well as parking for 200 cars. There will also be a gym, changing rooms, sports classrooms and conferencing facilities.
It is hoped the new centre, which the council wants open by 2013, will be used by local sports teams, Ystrad Mynach College and professional sports organisations.
The ambitious proposals by Caerphilly County Borough Council have the backing of the WRU, Newport Gwent Dragon, Cardiff City FC, the Welsh Football Trust.
Wales international Leigh Halfpenny joined representatives from Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff City Football Club joined Caerphilly Council leader Harry Andrews recently to mark this special occasion.
Cllr Andrews said: “It’s great to see demolition work start on the site and we now look forward to the development taking shape.
“This new sporting complex will be of national significance and will benefit sports development at all levels. The state of the art facilities will complement the fantastic new hospital that sits directly opposite and is yet another example of the successful regeneration that is taking place across the whole area.”
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon said: “We applaud Caerphilly Council’s proactive initiative in creating this facility which will greatly enhance the development of elite sports men and women in the area, which will be of great benefit to the local community, the Dragons region, and to Wales.”
Lets hope this development continues at a pace and is completed in line with the original proposals, unlike the old Caerphilly town post Office which the previous Plaid Cymru Administration arranged with the owner to demolish in line for a new town centre library.
The site in Caerphilly town is now an eyesore, it has been left with a an open, deep, and filthy pool of standing water in what was the cellar of the old post office building.
I wonder what contractual arrangements the previous Plaid Cymru Caerphilly council administration came to with the owner of the post office to develop it in the interests of the people of the borough, I know that the proposals were lauded with much publicity by Plaid Cymru, but was all the rhetoric true???? or just electioneering to gain votes??
Dear Sir as a former councillor for Ystrad Mynach,i wellcome the proposals to improve the sporting facilaties in the area.I am sure that the present county and community councillors will wellcome and support these proposals.I also understand that there are proposals for a swimming pool in the local colleage which the public will be allowed to use in the evenings and weekends well done to all.
David Smith.
It's a shame to see a hospital demolished. I keep hearing that the hospitals are short of beds and they are getting rid of perfectly good hospitals!!!!
What's more upsetting is that the grand opening plaque has also been demolished… .http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=24008
🙁
it is realy good news about this new sports venue but i am dissapointed that there is still no swimming pool in this area for the local community and the children still have to travel to bargoed or cefn forest such a shame.
I hope the new development will be finished for the new season ahead?I thank all at Caerphilly for this new facility,which will help develop future stars for are country.
I liked to thank all and wish to say well done to Caerphilly under13 who were outstanding this season and just fell short in reaching the schools finals.