Plas Madoc Leisure Centre seen as “vital” in new Wales-wide study on strong communities

The “vital work” of a leisure centre in Wrexham has been highlighted for its working providing services to the local community.

Plas Madoc Leisure Centre features alongside just 14 other groups in brand-new research commissioned by leading community development charity, Building Communities Trust (BCT), and partners WCVA, Wales Coop, DTA Wales, Coalfields Regeneration Trust, and Planed.

‘Mapping Community Assets in Wales’, a report written by Funding Assist, showcases the leisure centre as providing vital services to the community and holds it up as an example of good practice that other groups elsewhere in Wales could emulate.

Published on 25 November the study details the largely unrecognised work of community groups like Plas Madoc Leisure Centre across the whole of Wales.

BCT is no calling on Welsh Government to “recognise and nurture” the largely unpaid work of over 400 community groups, and to include it as a vital component in its future plans for Wales.

Plas Madoc Leisure Centre reopened to the public back in December 2014 thanks to the hard work & dedication of the volunteers, PMLC team, Splash Community Trust members & the surrounding community.

Often the lifeblood of towns and villages, the research unveils over 400 community groups, like Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, across Wales that are sustaining the very fabric of Welsh society, saving buildings from falling into disrepute, and providing vital services to locals in times of crisis (like the Covid-19 pandemic and the floods).

This is alongside the day-to-day essential services, like transport services, cafes and post offices. This research demonstrates the extent of this work in Wales and its value – estimated to be worth at least £50 million.

Denise Chadwick of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre says: “We’re delighted to be recognised in this research.

We work hard to deliver our numerous activities and it’s important that each area in Wales has the opportunity to come together if they so wish and have more say in how their community is run.”

Chris Johnes, chief executive of BCT, said: “The work of groups like Plas Madoc Leisure Centre should not be under-estimated.

“On the strength of their exemplary work, we are calling on Welsh Government and Local Government to relax their paternalistic instincts, and put faith in local people to know – and do – what is in the best interests of their communities.

“Welsh Government needs to take seriously the role of community groups, like Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, in propping up the country’s services, particularly those who have stepped in to take over publicly owned buildings and schemes.

“Many have been built from the ground up, and are now extraordinarily successful social businesses.

“Welsh Government needs to nurture community groups and inspire others elsewhere in Wales to follow suit.

“That’s why we’re calling on the next Welsh Government to put in place a Minister for Communities that will prioritise this work.”

You can learn more about community groups across north Wales by visiting Building Communities Trust’s website.