Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip
The Welsh Government and Sport Wales have a collective aim to ensure the National Outdoor Centre at Plas Menai has a long-term sustainable future.
In 2017, following an independent review, there was a recommendation to explore options for the management of Plas Menai whilst retaining it within public ownership and aligned with the strategic goals of Sport Wales. Sport Wales subsequently determined that the best way to achieve this was to identify a strategic partner, which shares its values and aspirations for Plas Menai while also sharing the financial risk of operating the centre.
Over the past year, Sport Wales has conducted a thorough procurement process to identify that strategic partner and today is announcing Parkwood Leisure has been appointed. Parkwood brings extensive knowledge and experience of the outdoor and leisure sector together with innovative delivery proposals.
This approach will bring in sector experience and expertise to grow the business as a year-round sporting destination, which will enable the long-term growth and development of Plas Menai. The partnership approach will ensure that all staff at the centre will have their terms and conditions of employment protected and that Plas Menai will retain its status as the National Outdoor Centre, operated on a not-for-profit basis.
Throughout the process I have been kept updated by Sport Wales on the steps it has taken. I am reassured that a robust process has been followed with firm parameters being agreed between Sport Wales and its new strategic partner on how the centre will be managed in future, for the benefit of its staff, local residents and visitors.