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The ambitious programme, developed in partnership between Neath Port Talbot Council and Celtic Leisure, includes new fitness facilities, specialist wellbeing spaces, padel courts, and gym upgrades.

The investment programme builds on the council's commitment to improving leisure facilities while supporting Celtic Leisure to grow membership, attract new users whilst improving the health of our communities, and help generate additional income that can be reinvested into services. 

Aberavon Leisure Centre

Aberavon Leisure Centre is set to benefit from a £708,000 investment, with work due to begin shortly and a target opening date in autumn 2026. 

The project will include:

• A brand-new Reformer Pilates studio, providing a fitness offer that has grown significantly in popularity across the UK. 
• An extension to the gym by redeveloping part of the sports hall viewing gallery. 
• A new wellbeing and recovery space. 
• Introduction of an innovative EGYM fitness system, using smart technology and personalised programmes to support exercise, rehabilitation and long-term health conditions. 

Pontardawe Leisure Centre

Pontardawe Leisure Centre could undergo a significant transformation through a proposed £2.1 million redevelopment project. 

Plans include:

• A completely new gym positioned at the front of the building. 
• Additional fitness studio space. 
• A new hybrid gym designed around emerging fitness trends and customer demand. 

The scheme is being designed to complement longer-term plans for a future swimming pool in the area. While funding for a new swimming pool has not yet been secured, the Council is committing £250,000 to progress designs to the next stage. 

The move demonstrates the Council's ongoing commitment to delivering a modern swimming facility for the Swansea Valley when funding opportunities become available.

Neath Sports Centre

Neath Sports Centre is earmarked for two new Padel tennis courts, bringing one of the UK's fastest-growing sports to Neath Port Talbot. 

The project will transform currently unused tennis courts and, subject to planning approval, could be completed by spring 2027. 

In addition, Celtic Leisure plans to invest around £150,000 from its own reserves to upgrade the gym with new equipment and modernised facilities. 

Vale of Neath Leisure Centre

Early plans are also being developed to upgrade gym facilities at the Vale of Neath Leisure Centre in Glynneath. While proposals remain at an early stage, Celtic Leisure has confirmed its intention to improve the facility for customers. 

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: 

"This investment programme demonstrates our commitment to providing high-quality leisure facilities for communities across Neath Port Talbot. From innovative fitness spaces at Aberavon to exciting new sports opportunities in Neath and major improvements in Pontardawe, these projects will help more people become active, improve their wellbeing and enjoy modern facilities close to home."

Jamie Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Celtic Leisure added:

“We're delighted to be working with Neath Port Talbot Council on this ambitious investment programme. These developments will transform the customer experience across our facilities, helping more people become active, improve their health and enjoy the benefits of modern, high-quality leisure services. Importantly, this investment will also strengthen the long-term sustainability of our centres, enabling us to reinvest in facilities and services that support healthier communities across the county borough."

The investment programme is expected to improve facilities for residents while helping grow participation in physical activity, sport and wellbeing services across Neath Port Talbot. The proposals are also forecast to generate significant additional income over the coming years, helping to reduce the long-term cost of operating leisure facilities and supporting their future sustainability.