Dilapidated Building in Neath Town Centre to Receive External Refurbishment, Boosting Local Business and Streetscape

A dilapidated building in the centre of Neath is set to be given a lifeline this month after Neath Port Talbot councillors agreed to partially fund an external refurbishment of the property.
The commercial two-storey property based at 14 Orchard Street, Neath, is situated on a main town centre shopping street within close proximity of The Gwyn Hall.
It was formerly used as a hair salon, though it’s currently described as derelict and decaying by a report heard by council bosses at a monthly environment, regeneration and streetscene services meeting.
The report which discussed the refurbishments read: “The overall scheme will improve the streetscene of this part of Neath Town Centre, by giving a fresh new appearance to an empty and unsightly building.
“The refurbished commercial floor space will be let to accommodate a small local business, potentially continuing it’s use as a hairdressing salon, while attracting footfall and so enhancing the vibrancy and vitality of Neath Town Centre.”
The work will include repairs or replacement of the timber shop-front, the repair and redecoration of the render to the front wall, the replacement of
the two front first floor PVC windows, as well as the replacement of the roof covering to the front pitch of the roof. There is no planning consent required however as the building work is considered a like-for-like repair.
While officers said there were no tenants lined up for the completed site as of yet, owners of the property will now receive half of the funds required for the refurbishment from the council, through their Commercial Property Grant.
The work will cost a total of £22,236, with half of the funds worth £11,118, now being provided to bring the building back in to use. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Alan Lockyer of Neath North said the building had become an eyesore, and added his support to the move.
He said: “It’s been a successful business for many many years as a hair dresser, I don’t know if that’s what the intention is for someone moving forward, but, certainly, it will enhance that area.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​