A NEW Aberafan seafront masterplan containing proposals for a new wellness garden, restaurant, skate park and play spaces has been approved by members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet.
The plans were given the go-ahead at a meeting held on February 5, where members heard about the scheme that aims to “enhance the quality and range of facilities” in the sea-front area of Aberavon over the coming years.
It could eventually see some major developments carried out to the area with proposals for improved facilities and additional attractions that could bring in “higher spending visitor led markets and deliver a national and international profile for Neath Port Talbot.”
These could include the development of a new Naval Club as a destination restaurant and bar, along with a new Dunes Park near Scarlet Avenue created using board-walks in the sands.
It could also see a new toilet block and accessible route to the beach from Scarlet Avenue car park, as well as new play spaces and beach huts near the Ocean Way car park, with a pump track and skate park built close to Aberavon leisure centre.
Other plans could see the creation of an extensive wellness garden and enhancements to the area around the whale sculpture, along with new showers, a toilet block and changing areas, and active travel links to the ‘small beach’ area and Newbridge Road.
The document reads: “The natural beauty and rugged nature of the seafront here shows endless potential and it is our aim to harness this and create a destination seafront.”
The master plan was brought forward to the council after two waves of consultation were carried out, with 75% of respondents said to have agreed with the goals of the master plan including enhanced beach attractions and amenities such as food options, accessibility and enhancing the area’s profile.
However, it was also noted by officers during scrutiny sessions that the documents were not meant to be an “absolute” but were instead designed to be flexible in nature, and would likely change and morph as opportunities presented themselves.
It was also highlighted that there was currently no funding in place for any of the projects outlined, though officers said finding this would become easier with the strategic documents now in place.
Speaking after the meeting Cllr Cen Phillip said: “The Seafront Masterplan provides a guide for future investment in this most important asset, one of the jewels on the crown for Neath Port Talbot, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
