Proposed site for the centre. The location is chosen to allow views over the entire reservoir for safety and a viewing platform to involve family members.
“Most of the work to date is planning and negotiating with the numerous bodies with an interest”
Llandegfedd reservoir is located in a high valley between Usk and Cwmbran.
The original design was commissioned by centre Construction Director Martyn Osborne with award winning architects Boyes Rees of Cardiff who have a deep understand of the needs of the locality. The design brief was to provide; storage, changing facilities to cater for the wet sports; amenities for catering; viewing for spectators; introductory space for new participants; office space for the commercial operation to provided training and the hire and sale of equipment.
Planning permission was granted in September 2007 after an extensive set of reports into the visual impact and its effect on the local environment and wildlife. The design has been given a great deal of thought based on the use of natural materials to blend into the landscape whilst providing the facilities needed and a pleasant environment for all visitors.
The planners and local councillors were satisfied with the design of the scheme and agreed that it will provide a valuable resource to promote water sports in the SE Wales area. Facilities for water sports in SE Wales have always been poor and this development is seen as strategically important and a significant site for all sports involved and their national bodies.
The current phase of the project is focused on the raising of funds and the planning of services through a detailed business and sport development plan. Funds are currently being sought through SportsLot and the Welsh Assembly Visit Wales programmes and a variety of charity funders. In addition funding is required from corporate sponsorship, the local clubs and local authority groups.
On the business side, plans are being drawn up to operate a Community Interest Company (CIC) formed from the current provider Gwent Adventures. The CIC will provide an agreed level of service as defined and monitored by the directors of the centre representing its members and users. The new CIC will be run for the benefit of the centre whereby all of the services required by them will be provided and charged at commercial rates. The accounts of the CIC will be provided to the centre directors and users for open accounting and profits made by the CIC will be ploughed back for the benefit of improving facilities and equipment.
There is a great deal of legal work required which is well advanced for the preparation of a lease, the CIC agreements, charity commission and the constitution.
A sports development plan has been drawn up to define training plans, resource and equipment needed, services to existing users and generally to increase sports participation in line with various government initiatives.
Discussions are taking place on a structure for membership fees and permits. The intention is that rates will be set at or below market rates, calculated to cover basic running costs.
Clubs will be affiliated to the centre and draw income from the integrated fee. Fees will be structured to provide users the option to become involved in several sports at favourable fees.
The centre will be open to casual users through day permits and the services offered will include the hiring of equipment. New equipment may be provided in advance of the centre opening subject to suitable funding being available.
The centre will need to accommodate disabled sports men and women at various levels. Discussions are taking place to define what the centre can practically do to provide these services.
The actual construction will not start until all aspects of the site are carefully considered through a site management plan. These provision of services is a key factor.
Site works will not start before November 2008 at the earliest and building work will take place during the closed season when the site is closed to visitors. The need to protect the SSI status of the site during this time will be carefully managed.
This newsletter and the website will start to promote interest in the centre with the need to increase membership from opening.
The main planning activities are intended to be complete by the end of 2008.