Plans to rebuild the Afan Lido, one of Wales’ first purpose–built leisure centres, have been unveiled a year after it was damaged by fire.

 

Feasibility designs for the new £13.6million centre, by Holder Mathias Architects, propose a 25–metre swimming pool, a learner pool, multi–use sports hall, fitness suite and dance studio, as well as a ground floor café. The leisure part of the facility will be run in partnership with Celtic Community Leisure.

 

A ‘community hub’ is also proposed, which will include a library, ICT training room, youth facility, meeting rooms and a crèche. The proposals also include accommodation for 20 enterprise units for small businesses in the area.

 

The new building will be highly sustainable, meeting the high targets set by the Welsh Assembly Government, and will be easier to run than the previous building due to its single reception point. 

 

Ever since the building was damaged in a fire on 16 December 2009, the local authority has committed to rebuilding the iconic venue, which has played host to some famous names since being opened by the Queen in 1965, including Tom Jones and Coldplay, and was first managed by Richard Burton’s brother. The Welsh rugby team also regularly practised there before the Vale of Glamorgan training centre was built, while actor Michael Sheen first learned to swim in its waters.

 

Neath Port Talbot Council has begun a period of public consultation on the project, which forms part of a framework of significant physical and economic regeneration projects for the council’s Waterfront strategy.   

 

Carolyn Merrifield, director at Holder Mathias, said: “We have worked closely with the local authority in responding to a brief that aims to create an exciting new building and, at the same time, regenerate the seafront by combining business, leisure and community uses.  

 

“We were mindful that our designs had to incorporate the multi–use nature of the new centre, which will provide a number of different facilities and accommodation for a range of audiences.

 

“Not only do the designs maximise accessibility for all uses, but the central street will provide an active link between the carpark and the seafront. The building will also be far more sustainable than the original Afan Lido, which will help reduce its running costs.”

 

Gareth Nutt, head of Property and Architectural Services at Neath Port Talbot Council, said: "The Council is very pleased with the work that Holder Mathias has produced in interpreting our requirements for an exciting proposal based around the Council’s idea of a community hub and leisure facility. It will be a focal point for community activity as well as serving the wider County Borough and visitors to the beaches at Aberavon seafront. 

 

“The scheme is currently out to public consultation and initial feedback has been very complimentary about the design proposals that have been put forward.”

 

The scheme will be funded using capital contributions from the council, efficiency savings, and an insurance payment from the fire, along with a potential European grant.

 

The local authority aims to start work on the 18–month project in late 2011 or early 2012, while work on ensuring the safe demolition of the existing fire-damaged building is ongoing. 

18/01/2011