Halo Leisure and Torfaen Council Celebrates a Year of Health
One year after taking the reins of Torfaen’s leisure services, the social enterprise Halo Leisure is celebrating a 12 months of supporting even more local people to be more active more often.
Since April 1, 2025, Halo—a registered charity—has seen a massive surge in community engagement, with 3,981 residents signing up for memberships and 2,379 children enrolled in life-saving swimming lessons.
Major Facilities Back in Action – The past year was marked by the return of several “lost” community treasures and significant infrastructure upgrades:
– Pontypool Active Living Centre: The popular hydroslide flumes reopened for the first time since the 2020 pandemic.
– Snowsport Torfaen: Wales’ longest dry ski slope returned to the winter sports scene following lighting and misting system upgrades.
– Cwmbran Stadium: Halo invested £250,000 towards a major gym extension and equipment overhaul which was completed in December 2025, alongside the reopening of the indoor climbing wall.
– Fairwater Leisure Centre: A £180,000 investment from Torfaen County Borough Council successfully modernised the pools infrastructure with a full upgrade of the electrical control systems.
Breaking Down Financial Barriers – In a move to ensure fitness is accessible to everyone, Halo launched the ‘Easy’ Membership. This concessionary tier supports residents on certain means-tested benefits, ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand in the way of physical wellbeing.
“Our mission in Torfaen has always been to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome,” says Owen Thomas, Halo Partnership Manager. “By reopening iconic facilities and introducing affordable pricing, we are proving that leisure is about more than just fitness—it’s about community, fun, and opportunity.”
Torfaen County Borough Council, David Leech, Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director for Adults and Communities, said:
“Halo is a key partner in the Torfaen Deal and by working together our partnership is already delivering real benefits for our communities. Their immediate investment into leisure facilities, and an increase in residents taking up membership, shows how committed they are to helping people improve their physical and mental health and well‑being. We look forward to exploring exciting new opportunities with Halo to bring more investment into these vital well-being hubs for our communities.”
ENDS
Photo – Halo Leisure Torfaen
Halo Leisure Torfaen are joined by the team from If You Go I Go (IYGIG), Halo Leisure’s Pontypool Active Living Centre General Manager, Craig Davies (holding the 1 year balloon) to celebrate the one year anniversary and in delivering leisure activities for the entire community.
About Halo Leisure: Halo Leisure is a registered charity and social enterprise (not-for-profit) that manages leisure centres on behalf of local authorities. All “profit” is reinvested back into the facilities and programs to keep the community active.
30th April 2026
