A new leisure centre is to be built in Neath, but in place of two retail units planned as part of a new town centre development.
Neath Port Talbot Council has taken the decision against the backdrop of a struggling high street, with Debenhams just the latest in a line of retailers to hit problems .
The authority said the future of town centres depended on having a diverse offering, including shopping, leisure and culture.
So councillors have approved a proposal to amend the existing Neath town centre redevelopment plans for the former Wilko and Tesco Metro site in Water Street to include a new leisure centre, replacing the current one at Dyfed Road, in addition to retaining six of the original eight new retail units already agreed for that location.
Councillor Rob Jones, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council said: “We want to maintain a leisure offer in the town and we want to make sure that people in Neath have access to modern facilities and activities to improve their health and wellbeing.
“Planning ahead and looking at Neath in the round we now have an opportunity to improve our existing proposals and provide Neath with a new leisure facility whilst delivering the retail element of our development plans.
"This will not only benefit existing retailers in the town but help to attract new businesses.”
Dyfed Road Leisure Centre is now more than 50 years old and needs significant maintenance investment in the next few years just to keep it open, according to the council.
It said that work would cost more than £1m and require the facility to close for up to 12 months.
The original mechanical and electrical services need to be replaced and extensive repairs are required to the roof and external fabric.
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The council said it believed investing in a new facility, rather than facing increasing maintenance costs for an ageing building, would be better value for money.
This new facility will include a 25m, six lane pool and learner pool, and improved gym and multi-purpose areas for different leisure offers and classes.
New squash courts will be provided at Cwrt Herbert Leisure Centre alongside the existing dry-side facilities.
This means half the space within the new town centre development will be occupied upon completion.
The council said this would benefit existing retailers and also offer an attractive proposition to attract new retailers and businesses into the town centre.
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Here are some of the shops trying to survive in Neath and Port Talbot:
Richard Lewis, chief executive of Celtic Leisure, which operates a number of leisure facilities in the area, said: “We are excited by the new proposals for Neath which will provide us with modern, high quality facilities that will meet the needs of our customers.
"We believe that the new centre will attract new customers, encouraging more people to improve their health and wellbeing. We will be working with our current customers to ensure a smooth transition to the new facility.”
Robert Williams, chair of Neath Inspired Ltd, the organisation supporting the town's Business Improvement District, said: “Town Centres across the country are facing very challenging times, and Neath is no exception.
"It is increasingly difficult to attract anchor stores and I commend the council for continuing with the development and taking a proactive step to incorporate a brand new leisure facility right in the heart of Neath.
"The increased footfall and visitor numbers will enable businesses throughout the town to benefit.”
The scheme will now be redesigned to incorporate the leisure centre, with construction starting on site within 12 months.
