Campaigner raises safety concerns about access to future leisure centre
A LOCAL campaigner has raised safety concerns about people getting to Newport's future leisure centre by foot or by bike as parking will not be available on site.
The new leisure centre, which is expected to open in 2026, will have disabled parking spaces and bike storage.
However, a local campaigner, Michael Enea has raised concerns about the safety of people getting to the leisure centre on foot or by bike.
Mr Enea said: “There is distinct lack of parking on site or directly next to the facility. Given the leisure centre will mainly attract the younger demographic, it’s concerning that hundreds of kids and teenagers will have to cross the busy Usk Way road.”
Responding to an Freedom of Information request sent in by Mr Enea, Newport City Council said: “Pedestrian crossings are present at various locations along Usk Way and provide access between the site and city centre car parks and the bus station.”
Usk Way has three pedestrian crossings in the stretch of road between Newport City Foot Bridge and George Street Bridge.
(Image: Google) A pedestrian crossing on Usk Way.
(Image: Google) A pedestrian crossing on Usk Way.
(Image: Google) A pedestrian crossing on Usk Way.
A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: "The new centre is well served by numerous public car parks within a short walking distance.
"The new site is also a short walk from public transport hubs and offers easy access to the riverside walkway and connecting active travel routes."
The future leisure centre will be about 300 metres from the Friar's Walk and Kingsway Shopping centre car parks. It will be about 500 metres from Newport bus station.
The riverside walkway is suitable for people traveling on foot and by bike and it runs along the Usk river, where the leisure centre will be located.
In November, the leisure centre was handed over to the firm that will carry out the work, Wynne Construction.
The spokesperson for Newport City Council said: "Located on the riverfront in the city centre, it will include a modern leisure pool with fun elements including a lazy river, slides and play equipment.
"The new centre has been designed as a community leisure and well-being facility. Groups and individuals will be able to participate in a variety of activities, including group exercise classes, fun sessions in the leisure pool, hold children’s parties or even meet up with friends in the new café area overlooking the river."
