New Aberavon Leisure Centre gets into shape

Councillors will receive details of the latest progress on the new Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre at a Board meeting this Friday (19th June).

Developer Corban Investments and their contractor, Heron Bros Ltd. started construction of the £13.4m facility in June last year which is being built adjacent to Reel Cinema and expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

The investment in the landmark seafront location will result in a purpose-built beachfront leisure centre, complete with wave design roof and featuring a 25m pool with moveable floor; multiple changing facilities, gym/fitness suite, spin room, dance studio, four court sports hall, cafe and community rooms.

Site works are now well established and the main structure is complete. The building is largely watertight and internal works are progressing.

The swimming pool tanks are being prepared for render and tiling, and the mechanical and electrical installations are underway in all areas.

Outside, the main drainage, gas, water and electricity supplies have been installed, and contractors will soon commence work on paving for the new car park.

The Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre will be a major boost for the Seafront’s attraction as a leisure destination for residents and visitors.

In the last few years, the Council has undertaken an extensive programme of improvements on the Seafront, with some funded through the European funded Green Sea Programme.

More than £5m has been invested in infrastructure and environmental improvements. They include new seating and signage, a children’s play area, a new skateboard park, the sunken gardens and new car parks at Ocean Way, Bay View and Scarlet Avenue.

In line with the Council’s regeneration plans, the former Afan Lido and overflow car park sites will be marketed as a key development opportunity in a prominent location on the Seafront.

A pre-marketing exercise was undertaken earlier this year to assess the interest in both sites. The responses received from developers have been positive and the next stage of the process will be to market the sites to developers throughout the UK.

The Council will be looking for practical but imaginative proposals for high quality residential-led developments that incorporate retail, leisure and tourism elements.

Councillor Ali Thomas OBE, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “I am pleased to see good progress being made on the construction of the new leisure centre.

“This will be a wonderful facility we can all be proud of and will be a focal point in enhancing our strategy and vision for regenerating the whole area.

“The new Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre is the latest in a series of improvements over the last few years that have transformed the appearance of the Seafront and contributed to its increased popularity for residents and visitors.”