Ken Skates opens new-look gym at Plas Madoc

* From left, Splash Community Trust chair Stella Matthews; Splash director John Roberts; gym supervisor John Edwards (behind Ken); assistant gym supervisor Connor Roberts; sales, marketing and admin officer Callum Edwards and general manager Denise Chadwick.

Assembly Member Ken Skates was invited to officially open the new-look gym at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The Clwyd South AM was a member of the volunteer trust which saved the popular facility from demolition after Wrexham Council planned close it down in 2013.

Plas Madoc received a £500,000 grant from the Welsh Labour Government in 2016 and was last year named Welsh Social Enterprise of the Year.

“I was delighted to officially open the new gym – it looks fantastic,” said Mr Skates.

“And it was great to catch up with the staff and volunteers at the best social enterprise in Wales! I learned to swim at Plas Madoc, so as a long-term user and supporter I’m proud to see the centre going from strength to strength.”

The state-of-the-art equipment from Life Fitness includes large touchscreen monitors providing access to Netflix and other online streaming services. As part of the refurbishment the gym has also been redecorated and had a new floor laid.

“We are very proud of the investment we have been able to make. The new equipment puts us at the forefront of gym technology,” said Stella Matthews, chair of the Splash Community Trust which runs the centre.

“I’m grateful to everyone for their ongoing support in our efforts to continue investing for the future.”

General manager Denise Chadwick added: “This major investment by the Splash Community Trust is a real statement as to our commitment to the long-term future of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre. The new kit will provide a real bonus to our current membership and hopefully attract new members.”

Wrexham Council closed Plas Madoc in 2014, but a band of dedicated supporters worked tirelessly to reopen it as a social enterprise. The centre, praised by First Minister Mark Drakeford following a recent visit, now employs more than 40 people.