A new sports centre in Newtown is moving closer to reality, with funding and wider technical support helping to make it happen.
Drenewydd Actif Newtown (DAN) is planning to create a new state-of-the-art centre for local sports clubs to use at the Recreation Ground along Pool Road.
It would replace the current building with updated changing rooms, a gym, and a flexible indoor space, serving local sports clubs and offering training opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
It has now received support from Bute Energy and environmental consultants RSK.
DAN has been working on this project since 2019 but has faced delays due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and funding shortages. However, as part of its Social Value Standard, Bute Energy partnered with RSK to provide crucial land and environmental surveys that moved the project forward.
DAN had previously raised over £12,000, with an additional £64,000 in in-kind contributions.
RSK's involvement accelerated the planning process, and DAN is now seeking major funding, potentially unlocking over £1 million for the project.
Bute Energy, a renewable energy developer working in the area, connected with DAN as part of its industry-leading Social Value Standard, which ensures 2% of project contracts go towards local communities.
After hearing about DAN’s ambitious plans, Bute Energy identified RSK as a potential partner, bringing in their expertise to conduct vital land and environmental surveys. Without this support, the project was facing delays, as DAN struggled to raise the necessary funds.
Richard Lawrence, Recreation and Health Lead from Bute Energy said: “We’re thrilled to support this project and to see the impact it will have on the community. It’s a perfect example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. RSK have been brilliant partners, and we’re grateful for their role in helping DAN get closer to achieving their goals.”
An idea which began in 2019, several challenges stalled progress to bring the idea to life. The COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented changes to initial plans and loss in momentum meant that DAN were in desperate need of support.
Fundraising efforts began in 2022 before Bute Energy and RSK got involved - with DAN raising just over £12,000 to go towards the project. An additional £64,000 was also secured through in-kind benefits, such as material donations or people working for free. But there were still additional finances to cover as part of the development.
Jenny, representing DAN, also praised the partnership: “Bute Energy’s support has been fundamental in enabling the project to progress – without their help and contacts we wouldn’t have had the resources to complete the building surveys to obtain planning permission.
"RSK Environment Limited were the contractors who provided the help that we needed. Charlotte and her team were so professional and excellent to work with – we are so grateful for their help.”
The project will involve updating the changing rooms and a double height gym area, which will be available for the local cricket, rugby and tennis clubs and could also be used to deliver Olympic weightlifting and personal training facilities for disadvantaged young people.
The upper floor, served by an accessible lift, would provide a large, flexible, open-plan space for indoor sports and social activities. It would have a moveable partition that could be divided into smaller areas as needed.
“It was a pleasure supporting Actif Newtown with their planning application,” says Charlotte Pride, Graduate Environmental Consultant at RSK.
“By aligning RSK’s technical expertise and company resources, we were pleased to support the development of facilities that will benefit the local community.
"Ensuring that our social value activities are both community-driven and deliver tangible benefits in the locality of the proposed renewable energy parks we are working on for Bute Energy is crucial. Being part of this project, knowing it will enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of Newtown residents, is incredibly rewarding and aligns perfectly with RSK’s commitment to promoting sustainability.”
With surveys completed and fundraising efforts continuing, DAN is now preparing applications for major funding from the Community Facilities Fund and the Community Ownership Fund. The area could receive over £1 million in investment.