PLANS for more than £1 million worth of improvements to Penarth Leisure Centre have been given the green light by the Vale council.

At a meeting of full council on Wednesday, September 28, councillors unanimously backed proposals to spend £726,000 on works to the wet changing area and £296,000 on the dry area.

The changing rooms will still provide some segregation opportunities for males and females but the majority of provision will be single use cubicles that will be unisex.

The money will come out of the council's building fund as part of the its capital programme.

The council's leisure management partner Legacy Leisure are responsible for the day to day up keep of the centre with the Vale council responsible for its maintenance.

Cllr Gwyn John, cabinet member for visible, leisure and regulatory services said: "The wet and dry changing facilities at Penarth Leisure Centre are in a poor condition and have not been upgraded since the centre was first opened.

"During recent customer surveys carried out by both the council and Legacy Leisure, the quality of these facilities has been the major point of criticism and the most widely cited reason as to why potential customers do not use the centres."

He said there is now funding available to carry out these works after continuous discussions with the leader.

He also confirmed that there would be no rise in membership fees as a result.

The contract with Legacy Leisure expires in 2022 but they are currently considering a five year extension.

The council and Legacy Leisure have agreed there will be no claim for loss of income during the works because of the long term benefits the changes will have.

Cllr John said that Legacy Leisure has an obligation to make sure the centres are in the same condition at the end as they were at the start.

There will also be a £50,000 contingency fund available.