Pontardawe Arts Centre - Construction Update

Significant progress is being made on the exciting expansion and upgrade project at Pontardawe Arts Centre, with construction well underway. The project, which began earlier this year, is transforming the centre into a modern venue for arts and entertainment, with a new 70-seat cinema.

This upgrade is set to bring a host of improvements to the popular local venue, including a revamped café and bar, a redesigned ticket office, and various cosmetic enhancements. Once completed, the new cinema will allow the Arts Centre to screen the latest Hollywood blockbusters—something it was previously unable to do.

The project, funded by a £600,000 grant from the Arts Council of Wales, £250,000 from the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme, and additional contributions from Neath Port Talbot Council's Capital programme, is a key part of the council’s commitment to cultural investment and local regeneration.

Photos from the site show significant progress, with the cinema structure starting to take shape. Inside the centre, refurbishments to the café and bar are well underway, promising a new and welcoming environment for visitors once completed.

In addition to this, the theatre has recently had new seating

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism, and Wellbeing, said: "It's wonderful to see the development of Pontardawe Arts Centre progressing so well. These new facilities will not only boost the cultural offering in the area but will also contribute to the regeneration of Pontardawe's town centre. We remain committed to providing quality cultural and recreational opportunities for our communities."

The project is also aligned with the council's ambitious Culture Strategy, which highlights the council's commitment to investing in culture to boost economic growth and community wellbeing.

The construction project is expected to continue throughout the coming months, with the centre remaining open throughout.