£200,000 requested to develop and build a new community centre

A request for £200,000 to develop and build a new community centre with sports facilities and even an allotment in Hay-on-Wye, has been approved by senior councillors.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Liberal Democrat/Labour Cabinet councillors received a request that the money held in the Brecknockshire committee reserve is used for the scheme on Forest road in Hay.

The proposal came from Hay & District Sports & Community Association Ltd (HADSCAL) who have been backed by the Hay town council.

They want the money to fund the design, surveys, planning applications and any other necessary work for the project.

Finance portfolio holder, Labour’s Cllr David Thomas explained that the £200,000 has always been “earmarked” for a future community centre by Brecknockshire committee.

Cllr Thomas said: “The advice offered in the report is that the proposal by HADSCAL has the support of Hay town council and the intention is broadly in line with the intention and purpose of the reserve.

“It’s proposed that release of this funding should be drawn down quarterly in arrears with relevant information explaining activity and cost incurred by the organisation.”

Council leader, Liberal Democrat, Cllr James Gibson-Watt said that he would “warmly support” approving the application.

County councillor for Hay, Liberal Democrat, Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe said: “Hay has been awaiting a new community centre for over 20 years.

“This project offers a fantastic opportunity to bring together several much-needed facilities.

Councillors moved on to a vote and unanimously supported the proposal.

The proposals include:

• A community building that will provide a permanent home for both the Youth Club and the community transport provider Hay Dial a Ride.
• Units for 10 business start-ups.
• Garden allotments
• Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) all-weather sports pitch.
• A fitness facility, potentially with a swimming pool.
• A bike track.

The Brecknock reserve is a historic pot of money that Powys has held for nearly 30 years.

During the last local government reorganisation in Wales back in 1995/1996 the former Brecknock Borough Council had several financial reserves which were transferred into the new Powys County Council.

At the time, it was decided that the then Brecknockshire committee could make decisions on the reserves and responsibility has now been passed over to the Cabinet.

In 2018, county councillors took the decision to abolish all three shire committees, to save money.