New cycle and pedestrian link for Port Talbot Harbourside

Harbour Walk, a safe and secure pedestrian and cycle link between Port Talbot Parkway station and Harbourside has been completed.

Harbour Walk is part of a programme to improve connections and links in and around Port Talbot town centre and its opening coincides with the redevelopment of Port Talbot Parkway station which is nearing completion.

It also helps to transform a former industrial site into open green space, improving and enhancing the local environment and landscape, and local biodiversity.

The ‘Connections and Linkages’ project aims to improve accessibility and links for pedestrians and cyclists between employment, housing and leisure areas including Aberavon Seafront and the Afan Valley

The new route is constructed of high quality materials and features paved areas and bespoke seating, with new lighting providing a safe and secure path at night and during winter months.

The path is flanked by tree and shrub planting with grass and wild flower seed mix to enhance the biodiversity of the area and the work has been carried out by local contractors Afan Landscapes.

Neath Port Talbot Council, working with key partners, plans to undertake a number of Regeneration projects in the town centre after securing £10.4m funding from the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme.

In total more than £30million will be invested in projects in and around the town centre.

The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Councillor Ali Thomas OBE said: “Regeneration is an important issue for the authority, as is providing safe and secure routes for pedestrians and cyclists in an environmentally friendly way.

“The Vibrant and Viable Place programme will revitalise Port Talbot town centre with a range of exciting projects to the benefit of residents and visitors alike and we are grateful for the financial support we have received from the Welsh Government.”

Philip Wallace, Regional Manager at the TWI Technology Centre Wales added:

“The redevelopment of Port Talbot Parkway Station and the opening of Harbour Walk providing easy access to the R&D village was a major factor in TWI siting our Technology Centre here in Port Talbot. Some of our staff and many of our business customers can now arrive by train rather than by car which is much better for the environment.”

“For us, this completes the excellent transport links to the rest of the country and the UK’s international transport hubs which can only be good for attracting more business to the region.”