Mastodawn

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.

The exterior of Aberafan Shopping Centre in Port Talbot, which is marking its 50th anniversary in 2026.

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.

Shoppers inside Aberafan Shopping Centre, with stores including Bonmarché, JAGZ, Ramsdens and Greggs lining the main mall.

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.

#Aberafan #Aberavon #FoundryGym #gym #PortTalbot #Wilko

Editor Dec 18

Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres — Swansea, Port Talbot, Haverfordwest, Porthcawl and Bridgend among winners

Town and city centres across Wales are in line for a major facelift after the Welsh Government unveiled a £19.6m cash package. The funding, part of the Transforming Towns and Placemaking programmes, will target empty shops, tired public spaces and stalled developments — with South West Wales councils among the biggest winners.

Swansea’s Biophilic Living gets fresh cash

Swansea Council has secured more than £559,000 for the commercial and retail elements of the flagship Biophilic Living scheme, which promises 50 affordable homes alongside shops and offices in a nature‑inspired design.

A further £1.36m is earmarked for the Mowbray Yard redevelopment, creating a new green courtyard space in the heart of the city centre.

Port Talbot facelift for Aberafan Shopping Centre

In Port Talbot, up to £840,000 will fund a redesign of the public realm outside the southern entrance of the Aberafan Shopping Centre, aiming to boost footfall and modernise the tired frontage.

Haverfordwest Wilko site transformed

Pembrokeshire County Council will receive more than £1.27m to redevelop the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest, part of the Western Quayside regeneration. A smaller grant of £100,000 will also support works at 16‑18 Bridge Street.

Porthcawl seafront gets new events space

Bridgend Council has secured £600,000 to create a new events space on the Hillsboro South site in Porthcawl, a key part of the seafront regeneration plans.

Wyndham House overhaul for Bridgend town centre

Bridgend will also benefit from £1.78m to acquire and refurbish Wyndham House, with housing association Valleys to Coast planning to transform the building into its new HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

Welsh Government hails “heart and soul” of communities

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the funding would “breathe new life into our high streets, support local traders, and create the vibrant, welcoming spaces that our communities deserve.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

City Centre ‘Biophilic Swansea’ scheme ‘a first for the UK’
Landmark Biophilic Living project promises homes, shops and offices built around nature-inspired design.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
Swansea Council begins work on Mowbray Yard, a green courtyard space due for completion in 2026.

Aberavon Shopping Centre regeneration coverage
Updates and stories on Port Talbot’s busiest retail hub, including plans for a public realm facelift.

Haverfordwest ‘Western Quayside’ project gets underway
Bold redevelopment of the former department store site aims to transform the riverside area.

Valleys to Coast unveils plans to transform Bridgend town centre building
Wyndham House set to become housing association HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

#AberavonShoppingCentre #biophilicBuilding #Bridgend #CivicSquare #funding #Haverfordwest #HillsboroSouth #JayneBryantMS #MowbrayYard #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment #WesternQuayside #Wilko #WyndhamHouse

The Mirror: News, Sport, Celebrity & Entertainment Dec 9

Warning as balloons with illegal levels of cancer-causing chemicals sold online

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/warning-balloons-illegal-levels-cancer-36370837

Editor Dec 5

Two big names, one big day: Skechers and Boyes land in Swansea

A festive retail revival

Shoppers heading into the city centre today were greeted with not one but two major openings. Global footwear giant Skechers has launched its first dedicated Swansea store in the Quadrant Shopping Centre, while family‑run discount chain Boyes has taken over the empty Wilko unit on Singleton Street.

The timing couldn’t be better. With Christmas shopping in full swing, the arrivals bring fresh choice and energy to Swansea’s high street — and follow hot on the heels of other recent launches including Rituals and a new‑concept Holland & Barrett in the Quadrant.

Skechers celebrates its grand opening in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, with shoppers exploring the brand’s full footwear range. (Image: Swansea Bay News)

Skechers steps in

Skechers’ new store sits opposite Boots in St Mary’s Arcade and offers the brand’s full range of comfort‑led footwear, from performance trainers to everyday lifestyle shoes.

Quadrant owners Centurion say the arrival shows growing confidence in Swansea city centre. Property Director Adam Gibbons told Swansea Bay News:

“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Skechers to the Quadrant. This is a much‑loved brand that brings something new to the centre and to our shoppers. Seeing a retailer of this size choose Swansea city centre is fantastic and reflects the confidence national and international brands have in the city as major redevelopments continue to reshape and revitalise Swansea.”

He added that the Quadrant has enjoyed a run of new arrivals in recent weeks:

“We have experienced exciting new openings over the past two months, with Rituals and Holland & Barrett drawing in new customers to the Quadrant. We are positive Skechers will thrive with us, particularly in the run up to Christmas and we’re looking forward to what 2026 will bring for the Centre.”

Crowds outside the brand‑new Boyes store on Singleton Street, Swansea — the chain’s second Welsh branch.

Boyes makes it two for Wales

Just a short walk away, Boyes has opened its doors in the former Wilko site — its second Welsh store after Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre, which has been thriving since opening last year.

Founded in Scarborough in 1881, Boyes grew from a drapery selling remnants into a chain of more than 85 stores across the UK. Still family‑owned, it trades under the promise of “good value” and offers everything from household essentials and fashion to crafts, DIY and leisure.

The Swansea launch also answers a call from the public. In Swansea Bay News’ feature on the future of retail, readers named Boyes as one of the brands they wanted to see in the city centre. Today’s opening delivers exactly that, filling a prominent gap left by Wilko’s closure.

The former Wilko site reborn as Boyes, offering everything from fashion to crafts under one roof.

Double boost for the high street

Two major names opening on the same day is a rare win for any high street. For Swansea, it means fresh jobs, more footfall, and a shot of confidence for traders heading into Christmas. With Skechers, Rituals, Holland & Barrett and now Boyes all arriving within weeks, the city centre is enjoying a retail revival few predicted at the start of the year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Boyes thriving at Llanelli’s former Wilko site
The retailer’s first Welsh store proved a hit, paving the way for Swansea’s opening.

Rituals opens first Swansea store in the Quadrant
Luxury wellbeing brand joined the Quadrant line‑up just weeks before Skechers arrived.

The future of retail in Swansea
Readers named Boyes among the brands they wanted to see in the city centre.

#Boyes #QuadrantShoppingCentre #retail #SingletonStreet #Sketchers #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaQuadrant #Wilko