Work has started on a major redevelopment at Cwmbran Stadium in Wales, which will see the creation of a 70-station fitness suite and the existing four-court sports hall remodelled into a vertical adventure playground, soft play centre and cafe.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of March and will see a range of new Technogym equipment feature in the gym, along with some existing Technogym pieces from the stadium's previous fitness facility.

The work is being carried out by specialist leisure design and build company Createability, alongside development partner Alliance Leisure – which has also part-funded the project – on behalf of Torfaen Leisure Trust. Redevelopment at the multi-purpose stadium and sports complex is also expected to comprise a second phase, which would see the current grass pitch converted into a 3G service.

Sarah Watts, managing director of Alliance Leisure, said: “This exciting project demonstrates how the public sector can respond to the tough economic climate and squeeze on resources, remodelling existing underused space to generate more income; and with childhood obesity on the rise it’s an ideal way to tackle inactivity in the young in the local community too.”

Torfaen Council is determined to get more people moving in the borough and believes the new facilities will act as a focal point for community activities.

"These new facilities will help to sustain Cwmbran Stadium in the long term, taking into account changing fitness trends and creating a more contemporary environment for people of all ages to enjoy," said Torfaen Council deputy leader Lewis Jones. “The delivery of this project supports the council’s decision to form a trust to provide the leisure service in Torfaen."

Torfaen Leisure Trust was formed in July 2013 and manages Cwmbran Stadium, Pontypool Active Living Centre, Fairwater Leisure Centre, Bowden Active Living Centre and Pontypool Ski Centre on behalf of Torfaen County Borough Council.