A QUESTION by a councillor could have prompted a move to include leisure facilities at a new £23 million school campus to be built in Machynlleth.

On January 20, Plaid Cymru Group Leader, Cllr Elwyn Vaughan (Glantwymyn) asked the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture, Cllr Rachel Powell (Independent – Beguildy) to address issues about Machynlleth Leisure Centre.

Cllr Vaughan said: “You may be aware that there are growing concerns as to the condition of Machynlleth Leisure Centre.

“There are parts of the facility which cannot be used and rainwater comes in thus disrupting activities and can be a risk to health and safety.

“In view of the obvious need for substantial investment in upgrading the facilities, the health and well being agenda, and the financial pressures Powys is under, would the authority consider asking Welsh Government for capital funding to either upgrade the facility or to develop a new leisure centre complementary to the proposed new school – thus ensuring the future of a modern important facility for the Machynlleth area?”

A week later on Monday, January 27, Cllr Powell and Powys County Council answered Cllr Vaughan’s question with a statement.

They said that “early discussions” had been held with Freedom Leisure to “consider incorporating leisure facilities as part of the new replacement building for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, in Machynlleth.”

The statement added:  “Both organisations and Ysgol Bro Hyddgen’s senior leadership team are working together to look at the viability of combining Machynlleth’s education and leisure facilities as part of the project.”

They added that further design and feasibility work is needed.

Cllr Rachel Powell, Cabinet Member for Young People and Culture, said: “There are a number of issues with Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre which require significant investment.

“It is only right that we explore the possibility of including leisure facilities as part of the new school for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

“If leisure facilities can be included, then we will be able to secure leisure provision for the town for many years to come.”

Cllr Vaughan added: “Naturally I welcome that they have taken my ideas seriously.”

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen along with Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, (Welshpool Welsh medium school)  are still waiting for the go ahead of a new build following the collapse of construction firm Dawnus in March 2020.

It is expected that the tender process will start in the spring.

Earlier this month a contractor was found to finish the third school affected by Dawnus, Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School and work has started there.