A planning application has been submitted for the new Afan Lido sports complex in Port Talbot.
Corban Developments will now progress with detailed designs and specification works for the facility.
The aim is for construction to start early in the New Year and it’s estimated that the project will take about 15 months to complete.
This follows the Council’s Cabinet endorsement of the recommendations of the cross-party Scrutiny Task and Finish Group, established to look into the replacement for the Afan Lido, which was destroyed by fire in December 2009.
Chris Mundow, Development Director for Corban Investments, part of The Lotus Group said:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Council on this important project which not only presents a great opportunity for the local community, but also supports the wider regeneration of Neath Port Talbot, bringing economic and social benefits to the area as a whole.”
“We are fully committed to this new development and have engaged a full team of specialist consultants with both national and international experience, to ensure the new leisure complex is delivered to the highest standards and in the most effective way possible.”
The budget for the whole project is £13.4 million and will be built on the Hollywood Park site, next to the cinema on Aberavon Seafront, will feature:
– 8 lane, 25metres swimming pool with boom and moveable floor
– Learner/splash pool
– 100 seat wet-side spectator gallery
– Wet & dry side changing facilities
– Café
– Indoor children’s soft play area
– Community meeting rooms
– Youth club facility
– 100 station fitness suite
– Combined dance studio/dojo
– Spin room
– 4 court sports hall with seating for 100 spectators (6 courts if possible)
If the cost of a 6 court option is within budget then a second planning application will be submitted to build the larger development.
The design features an iconic ‘wave roof’ to reflect its seafront location. Priority will be given to achieving a building of the highest environmental and energy efficiency standards and also to minimise future maintenance and repairs.
Leader of Neath Port Talbot, Ali Thomas said: “This project is now gaining a tremendous amount of momentum in coming to fruition. This will be a wonderful, iconic twenty first century facility we can all be proud of and will be a focal point in enhancing our strategy and vision for regenerating the whole area.”