EditorNeath’s transport hub plans sent back to the drawing board
Public says “no” to current design
The six‑week consultation earlier this year drew almost 1,900 responses, and the verdict was clear: residents did not believe the hub was necessary in its current form. Many argued that Neath already has the essentials — a train station, a bus station and a taxi rank — and questioned whether demolishing businesses and removing parking spaces could ever be justified. Others said the real problem was not infrastructure but the decline in bus services, with timetables cut back and evening services disappearing.
Concerns about cost, congestion and community impact
Respondents repeatedly raised the issue of value for money, describing the hub as a poor use of public funds at a time when the town centre is struggling to attract shops and investment. Traders feared that losing parking on Windsor Road and altering pedestrian routes would reduce footfall, while residents worried that re‑routing buses could worsen congestion on already busy streets. Safety was another recurring theme, with some fearing that a new interchange could become a magnet for anti‑social behaviour rather than a solution to it.
Councillors opt for a rethink, not a rush
Faced with such strong opposition, councillors agreed not to push ahead with the existing design. Instead, they backed a recommendation to reassess the scope of the project. Officers have been asked to explore alternative options, taking into account the concerns raised during consultation and the opportunities created by new Welsh Government transport policies. The aim is to bring back a scheme that is more ambitious, more collaborative, and more closely tied to Neath’s wider regeneration plans.
What the rethink will involve
Rather than a single blueprint, the council will now embark on a process of re‑design. This will mean looking again at the layout and scale of the hub, reviewing issues flagged by the newly appointed project team, and ensuring that any new proposal supports the town centre masterplan. Officers will also work closely with Network Rail, Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to see whether the railway station can be included in a fully integrated scheme. Active Travel links and wider placemaking goals will also be part of the conversation.
A chance to rebuild trust
By pausing the project, councillors hope to avoid pushing through a scheme that the community has already rejected. Instead, they say the next stage will be about listening, collaborating and designing something that genuinely improves transport while supporting Neath’s long‑term regeneration. Further public engagement is promised at key stages, giving residents another chance to shape the future of their town.
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