A NEW fitness suite, an indoor climbing centre and a new 3G pitch could come to Cwmbran Stadium leisure centre, if plans by the charitable trust in charge of the county's leisure services go ahead.

Announced tonight by Torfaen Leisure Trust, the initial proposals were approved by the Trust's board last month, but the project is still subject to funding agreements.

The Trust, formed last July to take charge of the county's swimming pools and sports halls, will have to submit a planning application to change the existing pitch to a 3G one.

The board also approved the appointment of Alliance Leisure as its delivery partner for the project.

Chief executive of Torfaen Leisure, Sally Church, stressed that the redevelopment would not result in the stadium closing, and said the proposals support long term sustainability and future investment.

"The Trust are investing despite the current financial climate and significant spending constraints," she said.

"We have to make the best possible use of all our resources. Replacing the current grass centre pitch with a 3G pitch and converting the small sports hall will enable us to meet the demand we know is there, for more and better fitness and sports facilities. We will put the space to the best possible use for the maximum number of customers.

"We have been assured by Alliance Leisure that they always work in 'live' facilities and its supply team are skilled in maintaining services thus keeping disruption to a minimum," she said.

"We fully appreciate that some sports hall and centre pitch users will see some disruption but, where possible, we will help current users through the use of accessible, alternative, facilities.

"The Trust will ensure that all customers, residents and other local club, or community groups will be kept up to date on progress with the proposals."

The existing four court sports hall would be changed to create a new 80 to 90 station gym, under the proposals, with the existing gym turned into a "toning suite".

The current reception area would be turned into a coffee shop and a new reception area.

Alun Williams, chairman of the Trust said he was delighted the proposals, which he described as "modern and vibrant" have been approved by the board.

"The new facilities will offer a significant attraction to new customers and enable us to grow our business and improve the health and fitness of more people in Torfaen," he said.