£1.5m fund promises new skate parks, sports pitch improvements, community centre upgrades and more

A new £1.5m fund to support community, leisure and infrastructure projects is set to be discussed by the Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council on 22 September 2026.

Members will be asked to approve the establishment of a new Community Infrastructure Fund that can complement the existing Pride In Place Impact fund by supporting projects with community value that require additional investment to proceed or which were unsuccessful in attracting funding elsewhere.

If approved, under the proposals the fund would be delivered through council-driven projects as well as a community grant scheme.

Among the council projects lined up to benefit from the new fund are new skate parks at Cornelly and Bryntirion, improved changing rooms and showers at Newbridge Fields North Pavilion, public realm and landscaping works at Maesteg Market Square, and new facilities for Coity Community Centre.

Community grant projects include the creation of a new 3G pitch for Bridgend Ravens RFC, improved access and car parking at Penybont Football Club, and enhanced community facilities and open space improvements for St Brides Minor and Ynysawdre Community Council.

Applicants who were previously unsuccessful under the Pride In Place Fund could also be reviewed and reconsidered for additional community grants of up to £10,000 each.

Members will hear how the new fund has been established to help improve the quality and safety of facilities throughout Bridgend County Borough, and to increase opportunities for sport and physical activity, improved accessibility and inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

If approved, the new fund also aims to encourage greater partnership working and community involvement while protecting and enhancing community assets, and establishing new facilities in areas where unmet community needs have been identified.

Members will meet to discuss the proposals on Tuesday 22 September.