Construction work will soon begin on a range of projects in Neath.
The first phase of the Neath town centre redevelopment masterplan was completed in 2015 with the 600-space multi-storey car park and retail unit which is let to Wilko.
But since then little has happened on the ground with the second phase.
Initial plans for eight new retail units and a first floor unit with retail, restaurant or leisure use on the former Wilko and Tesco Metro site in Water Street were redesigned earlier this year to involve a leisure centre in place of two retail units.
In changing the plans, Neath Port Talbot Council said the future of town centres depend on having a diverse offering, including shopping, leisure and culture.
At a business breakfast networking event, Andrew Collins, the council’s regeneration and economic development manager, provided an update on projects in the town, saying: “I think 2020 is the year that things start happening in Neath.”
Here, we look in more detail at some of the projects planned for Neath town centre which are set to see progress within the next year - they all form part of the council’s overall regeneration strategy for Neath town centre.
Neath’s new leisure centre and retail units
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The second phase of redevelopment, led by the local authority, is set to cost between £10m and £12m.
Mr Collins said the council was currently assessing the tenders submitted from developers, with the plan to be on site late summer next year.
Located on the site next to Wilko, the leisure centre will include a swimming pool and gym, alongside six retail units.
Mr Collins said the existing Dyfed Road leisure centre would ultimately be demolished - it is not yet known what the area will be used for once demolition has taken place.
Coastal Housing development
Work on the building of five retail units and 12 flats at the back of the Boots service yard is expected to start in January.
The Coastal Housing development involves 10 two-bed flats and two one-bed flats above the ground floor retail units.
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The scheme will face the existing pedestrian lane connecting Water Street and Orchard Street.
While the original application for the development which included six commercial units was approved in July 2017, a new planning application was later submitted to take account of changes in housing need.
In developing the three-storey residential scheme and retail units, the developer says it hopes to encourage connection between Water Street and Orchard Street, and Wilko.
In planning documents, Coastal Housing Group says the current lane is uninviting and underused as a through-route, adding it sees potential in opening up the route and creating an open environment that is “vibrant and inviting and that has purpose”.
The lane will continue to be a predominantly pedestrianised route.
The company says the route will be generous enough to enable outdoor seating in front of the commercial units with green areas along private and residential boundaries opposite the proposed building to deter pedestrians walking too close to them.
Bollards will close off one end of the street to control vehicle access.
The service yard will continue to be used by retailers in nearby streets.
Neath Port Talbot Council wants to bring 8 Wind Street back to life to enable both new tenants to offer opportunities for employment and to provide a source of income for the council.
The historic Grade II-listed building was rebuilt in 1868 but dates back to the 18th century and has previously been used as a registrar’s office and council offices.
Plans for the building submitted over the summer involve demolishing the outhouse buildings and single and two-storey extensions, replacing them with a new three-storey extension incorporating a lift, disabled toilet and communal kitchen.
The building has been vacant for more than 13 years.