The Minister for Culture and Sport, John Griffiths, has officially opened the new £17.2m Ebbw Vale Sport Centre.

Located on the former Ebbw Vale steelworks, the Centre - which was jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Blaenau Gwent County Council - includes a 25m swimming pool, weights room, 3G multi-use training pitches, dance studio and 65 station fitness suite.

The Centre will also be home to a number of sporting organisations including running, netball and swimming clubs.

-- Advertisement --

The Minister said: "The Ebbw Vale Sport Centre truly is a first class facility for the local community.

"In order to encourage a healthier lifestyle, raise aspirations and help tackle the negative effects of poverty it's crucial that people have access to modern, high quality and appealing sport facilities.

"Projects of this magnitude do not come together overnight. They require hard work and commitment by all parties who are involved.

"This Centre is an example of what can be achieved with innovative and joined up thinking and I would like to congratulate Blaenau Gwent County Council and other key partners for completing this project."

In addition to the Sports Centre the £166m Ebbw Vale works centre is also home to the Learning Zone (a post 16 education facility), The Environmental Resource Centre, Ebbw Vale Archives Trust, Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, Central Valley Wetland Park and low-carbon housing.

(CD)