Developer planning rugby ball-shaped museum in £80m Neath scheme

A developer is planning an 'iconic' golden rugby ball-shaped museum as part of an £80m regeneration scheme in Neath town centre, Wales.

Simons has signed a development agreement with Neath Port Talbot Council for the central site and hopes to start construction within 12 to 18 months.

It proposes a mixed-use development including shops, a library, heritage centre, two new public squares, homes and a restaurant quarter for the town.

Businesses and residents have been asked for their views ahead of planning permission.

Simons developments director Mark Newton told the BBC: “These are challenging times but we see it as an opportunity.

“Lots of developers and local authorities are shelving their schemes or putting them on ice but we think the cleverer money is on getting schemes ready for when we come out of the economic downturn.

“The scheme won’t happen overnight but we are confident we can make a step change for the town centre.”

Simons is also redeveloping town centres in Carmarthen, Wakefield and Witney.