Work has started on the expansion of the cinema and the upgrade of facilities at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
The upgrade includes the addition of a new 70-seat cinema, alongside improvements to the café and bar, a redesigned ticket office area, and various cosmetic enhancements. This upgrade not only aims to elevate the centre’s facilities but will also enable it to screen the latest Hollywood blockbusters, something it was previously unable to do.
The Arts Council of Wales has provided a substantial grant (£600,000) towards this project with an additional contribution (£250,000) from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. The remainder of the project is being funded from Neath Port Talbot Council’s Capital programme.
This development supports the council’s ambitions as outlined in its groundbreaking Culture Strategy, which highlights the council’s commitment to investing in culture to boost economic growth and community wellbeing.
The project offers an opportunity to revitalise the Pontardawe Arts Centre and also promises to add vibrancy to Pontardawe’s town centre and play a part in local regeneration.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said: “The council recognises the positive impact of this project on local valleys communities, offering enhanced recreational and cultural facilities. Furthermore, the revised staffing structure for the expanded Arts Centre is expected to create jobs.
“The decision to proceed with the cinema project in line with the council’s commitment to cultural enrichment, economic growth, and community well-being. Neath Port Talbot Council looks forward to the successful completion of this transformative project.”
Arts Council of Wales Chief Executive Dafydd Rhys said: “Arts Council of Wales is delighted to support this development in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council.
“Our mission is to make it possible for the arts to be present in the lives of everyone in Wales, and the extension to the current Pontardawe Arts Centre will have a unique design and help to ensure future sustainability of this important community asset.”
Throughout the construction phase, the centre will remain operational as usual.
