Posted on: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Halo Leisure has celebrated its first year of running leisure services in Torfaen.
The award-winning social enterprise took over the management of leisure facilities at Cwmbran Stadium, Active Living Centres at Pontypool and Bowden, Fairwater Leisure Centre and Snowsport Torfaen in April last year.
Since then, 3,200 new members have joined and more than two thousand children have enrolled in life-saving swimming lessons.
The charity has made a number of significant investments in the borough including:
- Reopening the popular hydroslides at Pontypool Active Living Centre
- Upgrading Wales' longest dry ski slope in Pontypool
- Extending and renovating Cwmbran Stadium gym
- Reopening the indoor climbing wall in Cwmbran
The organisation has also become a key partner in the Torfaen Deal - a new collaborative approach to improving the health and well-being of all communities.
A new Easy Membership offers a concessionary rate for people on certain means-tested benefits and 73 community groups and sports clubs use the facilities on a regular basis.
Among them is the council's popular If You Go I Go programme for women.
Participant Caroline Jones, from Cwmbran, who uses the stadium, said: "The gym is much better and it's nice to be able to use free weights. It's great to see things reopening. I know lot of people have used the indoor climbing wall since it reopened."
Owen Thomas, Halo Partnership Manager, said: "Our mission has always been to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
"By reopening iconic facilities and introducing affordable pricing, we are proving that leisure is about more than just fitness—it’s about community, fun, and opportunity."
David Leech, the council's Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director for Adults and Communities, said: “Halo is a key partner in the Torfaen Deal and by working together our partnership is already delivering real benefits for our communities.
"Their immediate investment into leisure facilities, and an increase in residents taking up membership, shows how committed they are to helping people improve their physical and mental health and well‑being.
"We look forward to exploring exciting new opportunities with Halo to bring more investment into these vital well-being hubs for our communities.”
For information about the If You Go I Go programme, contact megan.parker@torfaen.gov.uk.
Halo Leisure: https://haloleisure.org.uk/centres/