The AdiZone gym in Barry Island, located on Paget Road near the Barry Athletic Sports Ground and Whitmore Bay, has been out of use after falling into disrepair.
The free to use gym was originally installed in 2012 as part of the London Olympics legacy, but repairs to the crumbling equipment are difficult and costly due to the lack of replacement parts.
Councillor Shirley Hodges has asked the Vale of Glamorgan Council to involve the public in plans for the site’s redevelopment.
Councillor Hodges said: “The Barry Island AdiZone outdoor gym was launched fifteen years ago, to great fanfare, as part of the legacy for the London 2012 Olympics.
“Now, however, the site has fallen into disrepair.
“I asked the council to confirm their plans for the site, and was told that the facilities had reached the end of their operational life, and that some specialist replacement parts are no longer available from the original manufacturer, making ongoing maintenance and repair difficult and uneconomic.
“The Vale Council tell me that they will be clearing the area and assessing future options.
“As this is an important site for Barry Island and local residents, I have asked that any proposals be discussed with local councillors and consulted upon.”
Fellow councillor Steffan Wiliam also emphasised the value of the space.
Councillor Wiliam said: “Barry Island is one of our most important public spaces and facilities like this should be an asset for local people and visitors alike.
“While it is understandable that equipment which has reached the end of its life needs to be removed, we want to see the area put to good use.
“We believe local people should have a say in what happens next.”
A spokesperson for the Vale of Glamorgan Council said the Council was now making arrangements to remove the remaining equipment.
The spokesperson said: “The Barry Island adiZone opened in 2012 as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, offering a free outdoor fitness facility for residents and visitors.
“After years of use and exposure to the coastal weather, the equipment became worn and damaged.
“The manufacturer no longer makes this type of equipment or supplies replacement parts, making repairs difficult and costly.
“Repeated vandalism has also damaged the equipment and safety surfacing.
“As a result, the facility could no longer be kept safe and had to close.”
“The council is now making arrangements to remove the remaining equipment.
“Once the site has been cleared, officers will look at options for its future use, taking into account local needs, its location at Barry Island and available funding. Any proposals will be informed by the views of the local community, who will have an opportunity to help shape the site’s future.”
