Second stage of Neath’s town centre regeneration gets approval

THE go-ahead has been given for the next stage of the redevelopment of Neath’s town centre, on the site of the now-demolished old multi-storey car park.

In the initial phase a modern 600-space multi-storey car park was built to replace the old one, together with a large Wilko store.

The aim of the next phase is to provide suitable space for highstreet retail names to complement those already in the town, like Marks & Spencer, New Look, Clarks and Next.

Neath Port Talbot Council will now start work on commissioning a contractor to deliver the retail scheme and work on site is expected to start next year.

Council leader Rob Jones said: “This council is very aware of the pressures that traditional town centres are coming under from online shopping and out-of-town retail parks.

“We are determined to ensure that Neath continues to be an attractive destination for businesses, shoppers, residents and visitors alike.

“I was chairing the planning committee when the plans for Neath’s town centre were first published and I am pleased to see the redevelopment now moving on to the next step and taking shape.”

Another development due to start on site next spring will involve the building of five to six smaller retail units with 12 apartments on the first and second floors all sited at the rear of the service yard of Neath’s Boots store.

It will be delivered by Coastal Housing and will also include Water Street and Orchard Street being widened to improve pedestrian links to Neath’s Gwyn Hall, Victoria Gardens and the bus station.

And a decision has been made to retain the much-loved Greyhound pub in Water Street, one of Neath town centre’s oldest buildings.

Water Street, which got its name because Gnoll Brook ran through the town centre thoroughfare, once contained a number of public houses but only the Greyhound – affectionately nicknamed “The Dog” – now remains.

The council said Neath was establishing a growing reputation as a place to eat and drink and had seen significant investment from private companies and individuals in premises like Moruzzi & Co and Charlie’s Wine Bar & Grill.

Further investment has also been made in the town’s former Constitutional Club and its landmark Castle Hotel, where Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton once stayed, which has now undergone an expensive refurbishment under new owners.