Council gives green light to Port Talbot Transport Hub

Neath Port Talbot Council has granted planning permission for the construction of the new Integrated Transport Hub at Port Talbot Parkway Station.

The £5.6m project will link up with the £11.3m redevelopment of Parkway train station by Network Rail.

Port Talbot based Andrew Scott Ltd. has been appointed as the contractor.

The works will comprise the re-alignment of the A48 Heilbronn Way and main Talbot Road through Port Talbot, and road junctions with Station Road, Grove Place and Oakwood Lane.

This will create a large area to facilitate the Integrated Transport Hub between Port Talbot Parkway Station with a proposed bus station, taxi rank and drop-off and pick-up bays, providing an attractive pedestrian-dominated concourse.

The project is identified in the joint Regional Transport Plan and Swansea Bay City Region Strategy, and endorsed by City Region Board as a priority.

It is funded by the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Programme and Local Transport Fund, and supported by European Structural Funds.

Mark Bowen, Managing Director, Andrew Scott said:

“We are delighted to be working with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council on this prestigious project.

“As part of our approach to social and economic improvements, we’ll be looking to create supply chain opportunities for businesses in the area, as well as generating employment and training opportunities for people in Port Talbot and the surrounding area”.

The Integrated Transport Hub will provide easier access to employment and residential areas in and around the town and valleys areas, and forms part of the Council’s wider regeneration plans for Port Talbot’s town centre and Harbourside.

The project is part of Port Talbot’s Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Programme will see over £35m invested in providing new homes, improving existing homes, providing space for new businesses and creating new transport and communication links.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“Improving transport and connectivity are key priorities for Neath Port Talbot and the Swansea Bay City Region to improve the economic prosperity for our local communities.”

“Together with the redeveloped Port Talbot Parkway Station, the Integrated Transport Hub will not only improve access to employment opportunities but improve the image of Port Talbot as a gateway to the County Borough and the wider region.”