Plans to rebuild historic hall as an arts centre

Mar 24 2008 by Robin Turner, Western Mail

PLANS have been unveiled to redevelop a fire- damaged 120-year-old town centre building as a modern arts centre.

Architects have presented initial ideas for a new-look Gwyn Hall to the leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Derek Vaughan, and fellow councillors.

Mr Vaughan said, “We have had a first look at some ideas of what the new building could look like. Although we are at a very early stage in this project and the designs are just early concepts, I am very excited.

“We will be taking the opportunity to look at redesigning the interior of the building and to make the most of the space available and turn it into a spectacular multi-use venue.

“We want to make sure that we combine the historic features of the external walls with a modern internal design.”

A serious fire gutted the gothic Gwyn Hall in the centre of Neath last October.

Around 70 firefighters tackled the night-time blaze which could be seen for miles around.

At the time of the fire the hall was already undergoing renovation work.

Mr Vaughan added, “I said right from the time of the fire last year, that I was committed to rebuilding Gwyn Hall. These are the first steps in the process.”