Development works are well underway in Neath town centre as a new swimming pool and leisure centre begin to take shape.
The multi-million pound development has been designed to "bring in new activities and investment to the area" and forms part of a massive redevelopment project for Neath town centre, aimed at revitalising it and pulling in more people.
When finished, the two-storey 7,082 sq m development will include a swimming pool, 100-station gym, café, library and six commercial units. It has not yet been confirmed which stores or businesses will take on the commercial units, but it's hoped that a variety of businesses could further boost the area and encourage more people to visit the town centre.
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Earlier this year, Plaid Cymru councillor for Neath South, Jamie Evans, said he was "pretty pleased" with how the development works had been going.
"People who use the new swimming pool or gym will be able to pop into town on their way home so I think it's a good thing," he said. "I think it's high time that we actually had something in the town centre."
New images have been shared of the progress at the leisure centre developmen, and council staff have confirmed the project is "on-track" to be completed by its target of summer, 2022.
In an update Neath Port Talbot Council shared on social media, council staff said: "Here's a look at the progress of the multi-million pound redevelopment scheme in Neath town centre this week.
"This project will deliver leisure, wellbeing, shopping, learning and childcare facilities for the town centre featuring a swimming pool, gym, health suite, retail space and a modern library."
"It’s great to see the building taking shape with the installation this week of the pool walls and blockwork for the retail and leisure area. The redevelopment has been designed to bring in new activities and investment to the area, strengthening its commercial offering and supporting more people to lead a healthy lifestyle while improving wellbeing facilities for the town and surrounding areas.
"It’s due to be completed in Summer, 2022!"
Photos from the council show the walls being built in the swimming pool part of the development and the colourful exterior of the new leisure centre.
The photos come just days after Neath Port Talbot Council issued a progress report on its developments in the county and updated people on what they could expect for 2022.
Alongside the Neath town centre development, residents in the county will also benefit from the redevelopment of the Plaza building in Port Talbot, a new technology centre, and extensive funding being invested in local schools and community services. You can read more about the multi-million pound projects set to be delivered in the Neath and Port Talbot areas here.
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