NEATH Port Talbot Council says it is looking for expressions of interest to operate and use the former Neath Library building based near Victoria Gardens.
The former library facility closed in March 2023 after the opening of the new multi-million-pound Neath leisure centre development which is also home to a new library.
The Grade II-listed building, which was constructed in 1904, was left empty after the move though residents launched a petition with hundreds of signatures to protect the building they described as being very important to the area.
It led to a feasibility study being carried out by the local council which outlined a number of options for the site with the preferred of these being to develop it into a new creative hub.
This would consist of “clean workspaces and offices with an emphasis on creative and cultural industries such as digital, writing, illustration, photography, podcasting, events, consultancy and associated professional services”.
However at a full council meeting held in September 2025 members heard submissions received for the project were not of a “sufficient standard to proceed” meaning the authority will now widen the scope for a more general expression of interest.
Councillor Nathan Goldup-John asked what it meant to be a sufficient standard to proceed with councillor Jeremy Hurley saying it could be to do with the plans, sustainability, or constitution of the groups involved.
Councillor Wayne Carpenter, mayor of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: “I do agree that this is a beautiful historic building and we have to be very careful that we put it to the right use.”
A council spokesman added: “The building, a Grade II-listed property constructed in 1904, is a prominent and historic feature of the town.
“The council is currently exploring refurbishment options and is seeking to engage with a preferred operator at an early stage.
“The successful operator will be offered the opportunity to lease and manage the building, bringing forward a viable and sustainable use.”
It is anticipated that this process will now run until October 10 with suitable options and candidates expected to be brought back before cabinet at a later date.
