Welsh Government announces £2m boost for sport and cycling facilities

The Welsh Government has announced a further £2 million in funding for sport, bringing the total capital investment for 2026-27 to £13 million. The money will support a range of projects and organisations, including a closed-road cycling circuit in Cardiff. This facility is part of a larger multi-million pound project planned ahead of the Tour de France coming to Wales.

New facilities and upgrades

Cardiff’s new closed-road cycling track is being built to leave a long-term benefit for the capital. It will accommodate club training, school activities, community rides, races, coaching programmes, workforce development and pay-and-ride schemes. Work is also progressing to replace the floodlights at Carmarthen Park Velodrome with LED units and to install additional lighting pillars at the apex of each curve. In parallel, an artificial turf initiative is receiving support to boost local sport facilities.

A separate collaboration with Swim Wales will finance “pool pods” for at least six swimming facilities throughout Wales. These mezzanine-style structures give disabled swimmers and older users a more private and convenient way to enter and exit the pool area. The Energy Savings Grant scheme, which has been oversubscribed in its last two application rounds, will obtain extra funding so Sport Wales can back many additional projects across a wide range of sports and venues.

Government response

Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan explained that the money demonstrates an intentional shift to prioritize capital spending on projects expected to have the greatest impact. “Since taking up this portfolio, I have been clear that culture, heritage and sport are an essential part of national life,” she said.

Brian Davies, chief executive of Sport Wales, said the extra funding will expand and enhance chances for people throughout Wales to become more active. “These projects are often about more than just the facility itself,” he added. “They create places where communities can come together and where more people can take part, regardless of age, ability or background.”