WORKS on two major regeneration projects in the borough of Neath Port Talbot are set to begin in the coming weeks after approval by the council in 2024.
They will see work carried out on a “transformational project” to refurbish Port Talbot’s Civic Square and the adjacent Princess Royal Theatre, along with the development of a visitor infrastructure scheme in Waterfall Country Pontneddfechan.
Both projects were approved unanimously by members at a council planning committee on December 17, 2024, and came after a successful funding application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
In Port Talbot, the scheme worth £15m will begin on May 26, with work to update and regenerate the area at the heart of the town between the council’s civic offices and the Aberafan shopping centre.
This will include a range of works such as the extension and refurbishment of the 798-seat Princess Royal Theatre.
It will also see the creation of a new frontage for the site, alongside landscaping works which will replace existing surfaces with more modern and attractive materials.
As well as the new extended front entrance to the building, plans say there will also be a number of internal changes made, with a remodelled bar area and auditorium entrance lobby, a restored stage area, internal subdivisions, and new dressing room and toilet facilities.
Cllr Scott Jones, who is the cabinet member for street-scene in Neath Port Talbot, said the authority would keep people informed on any potential disruptions caused by the works and urged residents to keep a look out for social media posts and other council announcements.
In Pontneddfechan, near Glynneath, a separate project to create new facilities and ease visitor pressures at the popular Waterfall Country will begin with enabling works in June.
These plans will include the creation of a new 125-space car park, retail shop, welfare facilities and tourist accommodation once completed.
They were put forward by the local authority to help both residents and tourists in the area, which is known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in the borough with its stunning waterfalls, scenery and countryside.
A council spokesperson said: “Waterfall Country is an area of more than a dozen waterfalls between Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte in the south-western part of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
“The area sees an influx of visitors each year which is having a negative impact on the local community in terms of illegal and unsuitable parking and lack of suitable facilities.”
