Construction begins on Neath Town Centre redevelopment

Building work has begun on the multi-million pound Neath Town Centre redevelopment scheme.

The project will deliver a major leisure, wellbeing, shopping and learning zone for Neath’s town centre featuring a swimming pool, gym, health suite, retail floorspace and a modern library.

The scheme, being built by construction firm Kier, is designed to have a major beneficial impact on the town centre, increasing sustainability, vitality and footfall.

It will also drive the recovery of the town centre post COVID-19, bringing new uses into the centre of Neath to increase vibrancy and visitor numbers helping the delivery of a commercially viable redevelopment at a time of uncertainty for Britain’s traditional town centres.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Rob Jones, said: “This redevelopment will bring new activities and investment to the town centre, strengthening its commercial core and supporting more people to lead a healthy lifestyle while improving wellbeing facilities for the town and surrounding areas.

“The swimming pool, health suite, gym and library will attract many thousands of additional people into the heart of the town centre, including many families, every week.

“We look forward to welcoming them.”

The following floorspace will be created by the redevelopment:

• Commercial / retail units (6) – 1,354 square metres.
• Leisure Centre – swimming pool, gym, health suite – 5,631 square metres.
• Library – 600 square metres.
• High quality public space.

Construction is due for completion by Kier at the end of April 2022.

The scheme is being part funded by The Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund.

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said of the Neath Town Centre project: “The regeneration of Neath Town Centre is a prime of example of how we are supporting and securing the future of Welsh towns through our Transforming Towns programme.

“This project will not only boost sustainability, footfall and economic growth but will have a beneficial impact on the wellbeing of the local community. I look forward to seeing the redevelopment when it is complete.”

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)