Armoury’s future saved

The Armoury will be under new management on Wednesday, with its new managers promising a major investment to improve and to increase its facilities.

The Recreation Centre has been bought on a 20-year lease from Powys County Council by a joint venture between Welshpool Town Council and C.V. Gym Services which is owned by local man, Chris Stevens. The confirmation ends nearly a year of speculation that the centre could be closed under cost cutting measures after it was said to be losing the town’s tax payers up to £50,000 a year.

“The agreement represents the best value for money for the people of Welshpool,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson. “Chris has vast experience in the leisure industry and has some very impressive ideas for the venue. He will be investing a significant amount of money to improve and to increase its current facilities.”

Earlier this year, the council sliced the Armoury’s opening hours to save cash and has been actively seeking a way to turn the venue into a viable business since.

Four current jobs have been secured and it is believed that Mr. Stevens will be recruiting more people to work at the venue.