Leisure Centre on crest of regeneration wave at Aberavon event

Details of the latest progress on the new Aberavon Leisure and Fitness Centre were revealed at an event this week to review the Council’s regeneration strategy for Aberavon Seafront.

Following a briefing on the latest stages of construction, ward councillors were joined by representatives of local sports groups and businesses on a site visit to view progress.

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.

All the major construction elements are now complete and contractors are now finalising pool installations including the rising boom and moveable floor.

Work to internal finishes is nearing completion, including installation of sanitary ware, doors, flooring and decoration. Commissioning and testing of all plant, electrical installations and equipment in the centre is also in progress.

Outside, paving, base tarmac work and fencing has been completed, and landscaping of the site is underway.

Chris Mundow, Development Director with Corban Investments said: “We’re very pleased with the level of progress on this flagship development and delighted to announce that practical completion of the construction contract with Heron Bros. is on target to be achieved in November 2015, so that final fit out and training of staff can commence.

“This has been achieved thanks to the tremendous level of support from our on-site team, and our continued partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council.

“Many of the companies involved and those working on the site are from the South Wales area. Indeed, the benefits of this development to local businesses and to the community as a whole have been a priority from the outset.

“We are confident that the completion of this landmark project will add considerably to the regeneration and reinvigoration of the entire area and will also have a positive impact on the local community, both now and in the future.”

The former Afan Lido and overflow car park sites will now be marketed as a key Seafront development opportunity.

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

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.

An Adventure Golf course will soon be the latest addition to Aberavon Seafront attractions thanks to the Coastal Communities Fund.

The course will be designed around a seaside theme and will be built on land next to the popular Aquasplash. Construction work is expected to start early next year and the new attraction should be open for the 2016 holiday season.

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.”

“We are extremely proud of the work undertaken by both the Council and our private sector partners in regenerating the Seafront”.

“It has once again become a great place to visit with quality, year round attractions”.

With good progress being made at Aberavon Seafront, together with a £30m housing led regeneration programme underway in Port Talbot and the new Harbour Way providing direct access to the seafront from the M4, the attraction of the seafront as a year round destination for visitors and residents is set to grow even further.