A FEASIBILITY study designed to look into the creation of a new swimming pool in the town of Pontardawe has been published by Neath Port Talbot Council.
The report given to members at a cabinet meeting held on September 3, highlighted the need for the provision in the Swansea Valley community, as well as identifying a preferred location on which the new site could be built.
It was carried out after the permanent closure of Pontardawe’s former swimming pool in August, 2024, after “significant structural weaknesses” discovered at the site meant it was no longer safe to use.
At the time many residents said the closure was a massive loss for the town with the nearest pools based over six miles away in either Neath or Morriston.
The report says that if a new pool was to be built it would likely be located adjacent to the existing Pontardawe Leisure Centre which does not contain a swimming pool of its own.
Estimates within the study revealed a total build cost of around £14.9 million, with “no additional funding sources” said to have been identified by the authority at this stage.
When speaking of the study a council spokesperson said: “The preferred site identified in the study is adjacent to the existing Pontardawe Leisure Centre.
“This location offers significant operational advantages, particularly in reducing revenue costs through shared staffing arrangements.
“The feasibility study reaffirms the need for a new pool and estimates the total build cost at £14.9 million.
“Efficiency savings could support around £4 million through prudential borrowing, leaving a funding shortfall of £10.8 million.
“While no additional funding sources have been identified at this stage, the completion of the feasibility study places the council in a strong position to respond to future funding opportunities as they arise.”
Addressing the chamber, the deputy leader, Councillor Alun Llewellyn said: “I think it’s an important step forward because not only does it confirm the need for the replacement swimming pool for Pontardawe, the Swansea Valley and the surrounding area, but also a clear preference for design and location.”
Councillor Nia Jenkins of Alltwen said: “I’m really glad to see this consultation coming to an end, confirming what we already suspected, and I’m really hopeful that funding will be found so that we can replace this important feature.”
The leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Steve Hunt, added that it was now about what they did next to identify where funding may or may not be available in order to deliver the project.
