First screenings announced
The redeveloped 74‑seat cinema launches with a trio of films:
- Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (PG)
- Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (U)
- TRON: Ares (12A)
Tickets are available now at pontardaweartscentre.com.
State‑of‑the‑art facilities
The venue now boasts cutting‑edge laser projection, immersive Dolby ATMOS surround sound, and comfortable seating, offering a high‑quality viewing experience in the heart of Pontardawe.
For the first time, audiences will be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster releases locally. The cinema will also host relaxed screenings designed to provide a calm and inclusive environment for people with a range of impairments.
Café bar and theatre upgrades
Visitors will also benefit from a new modern café bar, open to all, while the theatre itself has seen upgrades including new balcony seating, improved lighting and cosmetic enhancements.
The redevelopment builds on the centre’s varied programme of film, music, comedy and theatre, cementing its role as a cultural hub for the community.
Backed by major investment
The project was supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales lottery funding, Neath Port Talbot Council’s capital programme, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“This fantastic redevelopment means we can now screen the latest blockbuster films right here in Pontardawe. We’re incredibly grateful to the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Government for their support in making this vision a reality.”
Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added:
“High‑quality venues like this are vital for our town centres – they bring people in, support local businesses, and create a real sense of place.”
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said the £600,000 investment would “strengthen the cultural life of the community” and ensure the centre thrives as part of a vibrant arts landscape across Wales.
Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said more than £1.2m of Transforming Towns funding had been invested, “strengthening the social and cultural fabric that makes our towns vibrant places where people want to live, work and visit.”
