Plaque Unveiled at Neath Leisure Centre, Library and Retail Complex in Recognition of Transformational Development

A commemorative plaque was recently officially unveiled at the Neath Leisure Centre, Library and Retail Complex, recognising the development as a key milestone in the regeneration of Neath’s town centre.

The plaque was revealed by Cllr Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, during a special ceremony attended by key stakeholders and dignitaries including representatives from Kier Construction, consultants Faithful and Gould, council officers, and elected members such as Neath MS and Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles.

The striking glass-fronted complex has become a defining feature of Neath’s urban landscape. Featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, a 100-station gym, steam room, health suite, and a modern library, the facility has already had a significant impact on the area.

According to Celtic Leisure, which manages the site, memberships have increased by 100% and participation rates have doubled compared to the former Dyfed Road leisure facility. In addition to its health and wellbeing offerings, the centre includes a retail space that has attracted popular names such as the Cadno Lounge bar and restaurant, The Range, a jewellery boutique, and a children’s soft play centre opening soon.

Speaking at the ceremony, Cllr Hunt said:

“Although our fantastic new Leisure Centre and Library have been in use for a while, an ‘official opening’ was never held. Given the positive difference it has made to Neath’s town centre and the wider county borough, I was keen to mark the opening and see a plaque installed to recognise the key partners involved.

“The ‘vision’ was clear from the very start – this was based around providing a multi-use complex in the heart of Neath which would breathe new life into the town centre, bring people in (both residents and visitors), complement and stimulate new and existing businesses, attract further investment and to promote wellbeing and create new places for people to meet and socialise.”

The development has contributed to a notable increase in footfall within the town centre and is widely viewed as a catalyst for economic revitalisation.

Part of the project was funded through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative, which supports urban regeneration in the face of increasing online shopping and changing patterns in town centre use.

Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS, commented:

“We want town and city centres across Wales to be the beating heart of Welsh communities, where people can access services, shops, communal and cultural spaces.

“Through our Transforming Towns programme, we are providing millions of pounds to further support the economic and social recovery of our town and city centres.

“Our Town Centre First policy, embedded in Wales’ national development plan Future Wales, means that town and city centre sites should be the first consideration for all decisions on the location of workplaces and services.”

The ceremony was not only a moment to mark the completion of a significant local infrastructure project, but also a celebration of collaborative efforts between government, business, and the local community to reimagine the heart of Neath.