Development approved for former car park

Plans for a new development on the site of a former multi-storey car park in Neath, as part of the next phase of the town centre’s regeneration, have been given the go-ahead.The initial phase included the construction of a new 600 space multi-storey car park to replace the old one together with a large Wilko store.The latest plans will provide suitable space for high street retail names to complement those already in the town, such as Marks and Spencer, New Look, Clarks and Next.After giving the green light to the plans, Neath Port Talbot Council will now commission a contractor for the retail scheme, with work expected to start on site next year.In spring 2018 work will start on the construction of five-to-six smaller retail units with 12 apartments on the first and second floors all sited at the rear of the service yard of Neath’s Boots store. It will be developed by Coastal Housing and will also include Water Street and Orchard Street being widened to improve pedestrian links to Neath’s Gwyn Hall, Victoria Gardens and the Bus Station.