24‑hour gym approved for former Wilko unit in Port Talbot’s Aberafan Shopping Centre

The first‑floor unit has been empty since Wilko collapsed in 2023. Now it’s been given a new lease of life, with planning officers signing off proposals from the Foundry Gym franchise.

Vacant Wilko space to become flagship Welsh site

The application, submitted last September, says the franchise wants to create a “thriving 24‑hour fitness facility” that boosts footfall and brings new life into the shopping centre.

Foundry Gym operates around 20 sites across the UK and describes the Port Talbot location as its flagship for Wales. Planning documents confirm the gym will operate entirely within the existing unit, with no external changes to the building.

Boost arrives as Aberafan Shopping Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary

The approval lands at a symbolic moment for Aberafan Shopping Centre, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

The centre — officially opened by Princess Anne in 1976 — remains a major community hub and the town’s main shopping destination. Anniversary celebrations run from 9 February to 30 September, with the official launch taking place on 20 February in Centre Square.

VIP guests, dignitaries, former managers and staff will gather to unveil a new exhibition charting the centre’s history, including photographs, memorabilia and a look at how the site has evolved over five decades. Elton John Tribute Wales will perform at 12.30pm and 2pm as part of the launch event.

The exhibition will continue to grow throughout the year, with new historic strands and interactive elements added over time.

A new chapter for a key town‑centre site

The arrival of a 24‑hour gym is expected to bring fresh activity into the centre as it marks its milestone year. The former Wilko unit has been one of the largest empty spaces in the building since the retailer’s collapse.

With the gym now approved, work is expected to begin on fitting out the unit ahead of opening later this year.

Saunas, hot tubs and beach huts could be headed for Aberavon seafront

Other suggestions contained in an Aberafan Seafront Masterplan approved by members of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (5 February) include the expansion of food options and provision of extra parking and changing facilities.

The masterplan was designed by consultants Roberts Limbrick and Chris Jones Regeneration, who were commissioned by Neath Port Talbot Council to create a cohesive strategy and ‘conceptual plan’ for the future direction of the popular seafront.

With the support of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, they developed ideas to improve the Aberafan Seafront in terms of uses and spaces.

The document says: “The natural beauty and rugged nature of the seafront here shows endless potential and it is our aim to harness this and create a destination seafront.”

Among the proposals are:

• The New Naval Club – a destination restaurant and bar overlooking the sea and a new Dunes Park created using boardwalks in the sands. 
• Scarlet Avenue Car Park – including a new toilet block and accessible route to the beach. 
• New play spaces, involving integrated ability play, beach huts (rented to beachgoers or used as shops) and play spaces (near the Ocean Way Car Park). Aqua Splash to be rationalised and made more inclusive.
• An Extensive Wellness Garden (near Remo’s) with hot tubs, plunge pools and mobile saunas. A Linear park (near the Four Winds site), with extensive green spaces retained. A new pump track and skate park (at a point in front of the leisure and fitness centre) with an expansion of existing toilets, a community stage and events area and food trucks.
• An enhanced area around The Whale Sculpture with natural elements such as logs and boulders creating a playful environment with an opportunity to incorporate diverse planting to create a soft, green space that blends with the coastal landscape. Further to the east there will be new showers, a toilet block and changing areas and active travel links to the ‘small beach’ area and Newbridge Road.

The next steps now include identifying the strategic and local partnerships needed to help co-deliver the proposals, making cost estimates and seeking funding.

Two waves of consultation were carried out regarding the masterplan with, in the first wave, 92% either totally agreeing or agreeing the seafront was ‘a great place to relax’ and 88% agreed or totally agreed it was ‘a great place for everyone’.

In the second wave, 75% of respondents agreed with the goals of the masterplan including enhancing beach attractions and amenities including food options, accessibility and enhancing the area’s profile.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing said: “The Seafront Masterplan provides a guide for future investment in this most important asset – one of the jewels on the crown for Neath Port Talbot – so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“I was particularly pleased by the enthusiasm shown by local residents in giving their views in consultation on this masterplan and we were able to include local opinions in the finished masterplan.

“This is just the start of the journey and we will now begin the process of identifying individual projects and developments on the seafront.”

The Cabinet’s decision was made subject to a three-day call-in period.

(Lead image: Neath Port Talbot Council)

#Aberafan #Aberavon #AberavonBeach #AberavonSeafront #CllrCenPhillips #featured #NeathPortTalbotCouncil #PortTalbot #regeneration

Our season is starting to fall apart abit.....won our first 6 games, were top of the league....but now we've lost our last three!! :/

#Aberafan

RGC 1404 34 – 26 Aberavon
https://aberavonwizards.co.uk/rep-rgc-abe-2022-11/