outdoor circuit training and high-intensity interval training classes already having been announced.
The new addition to the centre was unveiled on Thursday, 21 July with the centre providing a free taster circuit training session.
The Council has also signed a contract extension with Parkwood and Legacy Leisure for the continuation of services at the site.
Cllr Gwyn John, Cabinet Member for Leisure Sport and Wellbeing who attended on the day, said: “What has been created should serve future generations and provide new opportunities for residents of the Vale.
“If the pandemic taught us anything it was that by being fit and healthy you are in the best place to resist anything that is thrown at you.
“This area increases the already impressive fitness offer at Barry Leisure Centre and provides some exciting new opportunities for different types of fitness classes.”
Glenn Hall, Managing Director of Legacy Leisure said: “We’re really excited to open this fantastic new facility for the local community. I know there’s been people driving by the facility and there’s a real fever-pitch anticipation of what we’re going to be offering.
“It’s almost 10 years to the day that we’ve had the privilige of operating the facilities on behalf of the Vale of Glamorgan council and the partnership has been superb.
"We’ve delivered some incredible results over those 10 years, 20% increase in usage, 800,000 visits. Great investments into the facility. And that’s really culminated in the last few days with the extension in the partnership through to 2030.
“I think both users and non-users will be excited by the additional investment that will start in the coming weeks and conclude by the end of the year, offering improved facilities, improved programming, improved service. It’s a really exciting time to offer improved leisure and recreational facilities.”
Brian Davies, Chief Executive of Sport Wales said: “Well if there’s one thing the pandemic taught us as a sector, it’s how important it is to be fit and to use the outdoors if you can. That is made easier with facilities like this, which utilise unused space and encourages people to be active outdoors in a safe environment.
It’s a fantastic initiative and we’re really pleased that Sport Wales could lend support to the along with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.”