Ystrad Mynach sports complex work to finish February 2014

A new £6 million sports complex being built on the former site of Ystrad Mynach Hospital is due for completion in February.

Professional and community teams will be able to use the new complex – boasting artificial pitches, floodlights and stands – with Newport Gwent Dragons using it as their new training base.

Representatives from Caerphilly County Borough Council, the WRU, Newport Gwent Dragons and Heron Bros Ltd, the contractor responsible for the build, visited the site recently and were all impressed by the progress being made.

Cllr Dave Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “This development is yet another example of how Caerphilly County Borough Council are investing in our residents overall health and wellbeing by providing as many opportunities for them to live healthy and active lives as possible.

“When completed and fitted out to the highest standard, I am looking forward to seeing local teams and emerging talent rubbing shoulders with the professional rugby and football players of Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff City FC.”

Newport Gwent Dragons chief executive Dr Chris Brown added: “We are looking forward to having this state of the art facility available to our region for the 2014/15 season. For the first time, we will have a 3G pitch available exclusively for ourselves to train on plus the gym and medical facilities. This will make a big difference, particularly in the depths of winter.”

Work is expected to be completed by the end of February 2014, with installation of facilities follow soon.
Currently works are ongoing to erect the main building and two grandstands that will form the sporting complex on the site.

In addition, bulk earthworks are progressing well, with the slabs that formed the former hospital buildings being removed to make way for the formation of the first class 3G (3rd Generation) rugby and football pitches.

Martin O’Kane, Deputy Managing Director for Heron Bros, said: “We are delighted to be working with Caerphilly County Borough Council on this prestigious project.

“We strive to bring benefit to the communities in which we work and we look forward to developing strong links with local sub-contractors, suppliers and providing general employment for local people. We are pleased to have been afforded the opportunity to expand our business into South Wales by being involved in this exciting development.