Leisure & Tourism

The Gwyn Hall

On October 18th 2007 fire ripped through the Gwyn Hall in the heart of Neath town centre and devastated the entire building.

The Gwyn Hall was undergoing a £4million refurbishment that was going to create a first class modern venue for arts and cultural events in Neath.

Leader of Council Derek Vaughan said –

“We were devastated at the fire. It has affected the whole of the town. It is a bitter blow for Neath Port Talbot.

“The fire crews tackling the blaze worked hard to try and protect the exterior walls of the building. We have since removed the top of the gable walls for safety reasons.

“The building is insured but we are still waiting for the outcome of the investigation before our insurers can make an assessment on costs.

“We are now trying to look to the future and we are considering the options available.

“I would like people to help us by writing to me or emailing me to tell me how important the Gwyn Hall was to them in the past, and how important it would have been after it was refurbished. I can then use this information as part of any funding applications we make in the future.

“I am committed to providing Neath with an arts and cultural centre they can be proud of.”

The Gwyn Hall Theatre has always played an important role in the social and cultural life of Neath, but over the past few decades it was recognized as needing a complete refurbishment to bring its facilities into the 21st Century and to cater for the requirements of modern day audiences and production companies.

The new Arts Centre would have included:

• cinema facilities
• an interactive café bar
• modern and online Box Office facilities
• retractable tiered seating at theatre level
• State of the art stage, sound and lighting
• full disabled access
• modern changing and dressing facilities
• complete internal refurbishment
• new external doors and windows
• stonework repairs and external cleaning

The Gwyn Hall was built in the 1880's, designed by London architect John Norton, at a cost of £6000. The building was used for council business as well as a music hall until the construction of the civic centre in the 1960's.It received a Grade II listing in 1989 due to its fine architectural detailing and its value to the Neath townscape.

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