For many people in Port Talbot, the iconic Plaza Cinema holds a special place in their heart.
Built in the 1930s, the cinema has had a colourful history and has inspired a number of Welsh actors over the years including Richard Burton, Sir Anthony and Michael Sheen.
According to the cinema's former owner, Alex Jones, the Plaza was originally built to replace a smaller cinema further down Talbot Road that was destroyed by fire while showing the film FireFly in 1936.
It was originally intended to be an Odeon cinema. However, because of the Second World War it was never completed fully on time.
Mr Jones explained: "The Odeon Company pulled out of the partnership...as such, it never opened as an Odeon and became the Plaza."
The first film at the Plaza was Babes In Arms, which starred Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in April 1940.
At that point the cinema wasn't quite finished.
"The outbreak of the Second World War meant there was an embargo on many decorative materials available," explained Mr Jones.
"Consequently, much of the building, such as windows, doors, the famous cream tiles and even the sign itself weren’t installed until building restrictions were lifted after 1950."
The cinema experienced its golden years in the 1940s, as cinema gained popularity, and again in the 1970s when Port Talbot's Grand, Regent and Odeon cinemas ceased showing films.
"Business still remained very brisk, with 1989 being the most successful year in the cinema’s history ever – sometimes attracting over 5,000 people in one day aided by Batman and Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade," said Mr Jones.
Many who remember the Plaza in its prime recall huge queues of excited cinema-goers that would ring all the way around the building and the block.
The Plaza underwent a series of refurbishments throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and continued to attract big crowds, though these had become "sporadic" as cinema faced competition from video and the impending multiplexes at Bridgend and Port Talbot seafront.
On January 4 1999, the Grade II listed cinema showed its final movie, Prince of Egypt, and according to Mr Jones, the audience at the main auditorium sobbed as the credits rolled for the very last time.
"Hundreds in the audience sat in silence refusing to leave until the curtains had closed and the lights came on," he said.
"As a mark of respect, no exit music was played after the film finished, and the audience were left to troop from the cinema in silence. A true part of Port Talbot had died that night."
From then on the building gradually fell into disrepair.
Though the classic architecture shell stood the test of time, the interior gradually became derelict and developed holes in its roof - it became a shadow of its former glory.
Pictures released by Neath Port Talbot Council in 2019 showed the eerie extent of the decaying rooms, with peeling art-deco wallpaper and filthy signs.
That year the council approved proposals to create a new role for the Plaza so that it can once again be enjoyed.
And now, in July 2020, the Plaza is on its way to being transformed into a "vibrant and inclusive" community hub.
The facilities available will include a café, gym, office space, a hall, multi-purpose rooms, a conference area, digital recording studio and shops.
The project is being supported by £3.4m from the European Regional Development Fund, £2.2m from the Welsh Government and £1.7m from the council.
It will be complete with a roof covered in vegetation, called a green roof.
This element was funded through the Green Infrastructure Fund and aims to increase biodiversity on the building.
It should also have other environmental benefits such as decreasing storm water runoff, improving air quality by reducing carbon dioxide and pollution, and improving the energy efficiency of the redeveloped Plaza.
Demolition work is currently being carried out at the back of the building while the Plaza’s front is being retained.
The 'new' Plaza is due to be ready by autumn 2021 and will be occupied and managed by YMCA Port Talbot.
Keith Priddle, the chairman of the YMCA Port Talbot board of trustees, said the Plaza would play a major role in creating a new look for the eastern side of Port Talbot.
He said: “It is a major redevelopment of an iconic Port Talbot site and the YMCA is confident it will revitalise the eastern side of the town.”
Councillor Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot council’s cabinet member for regeneration and sustainable development, said: “The Plaza will continue to be a reminder in the centre of Port Talbot of the world famous film stars this town has produced.
“It will also help revitalise this part of the town while at the same time providing a useful venue for a wide variety of uses.”
The Welsh Government deputy minister for housing and local government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Supporting towns across Wales continues to be at the heart of our regeneration work and our commitment to the future of our communities through our transforming towns agenda.
“I am pleased to see how Welsh Government funding is breathing new life into an historic and iconic building and bringing it back into use. Not only will this funding revitalise the Plaza but will ensure it can be enjoyed for many other generations to come.”
