Building experts ARUP identified significant structural weaknesses within the 50-year-old pool’s concrete structure in 2022 and advised the building had a maximum two year lifespan even with the substantial propping works that took place at the time.
However, the council say that in January this year further deterioration of the reinforced concrete was noted, and at their meeting on May 8th, 2024, members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet are being recommended to approve closure at the end of August 2024.
The council say that repairing the existing building is economically unviable, and the mechanical and electrical services throughout the facility have also reached end of life.
A feasibility study will look at potential external funding sources and examine any suitable locations and the future facility mix in Pontardawe for a replacement pool.
A replacement pool is currently estimated to cost between £10m to £12m.
Neath Port talbot Council say that with the building’s condition continuing to decline, planned closure at the end of August 2024 will allow enough time to complete the summer programme, redeploy staff and relocate user groups wherever possible to other Celtic operated venues.
The council say that the planned August closure will also give time to make changes to the Neath Leisure Centre programme which it says will be able to accommodate the majority of the displaced users from Pontardawe Swimming Pool.
If approved, the council say discussions will take place with the affected groups together with the operators in neighbouring authorities with facilities that may be more local for Neath Port Talbot residents.
The council warned that with ongoing regular inspections, it is still possible an earlier, urgent closure might be needed and with public safety being paramount, this will be kept under close review during the course of the next few months.
(Lead image: Google Maps)
