Ambitious plans by a community enterprise to develop a multi-million pound indoor and outdoor events arena in Pontardawe are a step closer to reality thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Pontardawe Arena - artist's impression
Funding from the Assembly Government’s Single Investment Fund has covered the costs of four days consultancy with a revenue specialist to enable Arena Pontardawe to update and validate their business plan and develop detailed financial forecasts for the next six years.
The professionally prepared financial documentation will be vital in supporting bids for financial assistance and grant aid.
Their plans, which have developed over a number of years, are centred on the unused Glanrhyd Industrial Estate; a 15 acre site which they hope will become the hub for a range of activities including equestrian, cultural and sporting events.
The purpose designed facility would be used by local community groups and attract larger scale events and touring exhibitions to the area which could boost the local economy and provide employment and training opportunities.
The first two phases are estimated to cost £1.3m with total project costs in the region of £5m if a third phase, involving the construction of a larger adjoining indoor arena, goes ahead.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the Single Investment Fund had been created to support businesses of all sizes, including social enterprises.
“The Fund can provide support for large companies with ambitious expansion plans but also has an equally important role to play in providing funding for smaller organisations and social enterprises like Arena Pontardawe that are working for their communities. In this case the funding has enabled Arena Pontardawe to buy in expert help to take their project to the next stage.”
Arena Pontardawe’s treasurer Adrienne Howes said support from the Assembly Government had been extremely helpful:” We needed professional help and advice which could not have come at a better time and enables us to move ahead with the project.
“Pontardawe has an extremely strong and supportive community with a large number of voluntary organisations, groups, clubs and societies that will all benefit from a facility like this to host their many events and activities.
“By working together as a unified partnership we have a strong voice, a clear focus and an enhanced ability to raise money to get things done professionally. The intention is for the enterprise to be self sustaining and to create job and training opportunities for local people.”
Planning is due to be submitted within the next two months for the first phase. This will consist of a 2,400 sq m indoor multi-purpose arena with a demountable floor to provide a range of flexible uses, facilities for people with special needs, ten small business units for related activities, changing rooms, a training and education suite, café and car parking.
Arena Pontardawe has a track record of delivering projects and has taken over the Glantawe Riverside Park - which is adjacent to the Glanrhyd estate - and successfully renovated, restored and extended a small community centre and reinstated the car park.
The arena development will complement this and maximise the tourism potential of the area as the Estate is bordered by the Swansea Canal and the River Tawe.
Arena Pontardawe’s plans are supported by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council which owns both sites.
Welsh Assembly Government - 30 June 2009
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