New Name Revealed for Port Talbot’s Former Princess Royal Theatre: Yr Aelwyd

A new name for Port Talbot’s former Princess Royal Theatre  has been revealed.
It comes after £18m of funding was given to the council to create an improved venue at the site for theatre performances and community uses as well as new meeting and conference facilities.
The newly-refurbished site in Port Talbot’s Civic Square is expected to be completed in 2027 and will be named Yr Aelwyd, which means the Hearth.
Speaking about the project a council spokesman said: “Traditionally Yr Aelwyd (The Hearth) is at the heart of the home – a place to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories.
“Yr Aelwyd will be Port Talbot’s theatre, a place that local people can be proud
of and be part of by bringing them together through the arts and entertainment.
“It will be a venue with real provenance and a showcase for local talent and stories.
“The refurbished theatre is designed to attract audiences to experience Port
Talbot’s legacy of performance, creativity, and storytelling and as a place for
the community and local creative groups to come together.”
The multi-million-pound project is currently under construction and was made possible by UK Government funding alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
It’s name was launched with a video shared by the council in July.
This included a number of well-known locals and influencers such as Welsh rugby player ⁠Richard Hibbard, actor Stuart Broad, and owner ⁠of San Portablo clothing Nigel Hunt.
Speaking after the announcement Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism, and wellbeing Cllr Cen Phillips said: “The name Yr Aelwyd beautifully captures what this new venue will represent for Port Talbot – a welcoming place where people can come together to share experiences, enjoy creativity, and make lasting memories.
“Yr Aelwyd will be much more than a theatre; it will be a focal point for our
community and visitors, bringing people into the heart of the town, and
supporting Port Talbot’s continued regeneration.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​