**Neath Coffee Shop’s Future In Jeopardy Amid Transport Hub Proposals**
A popular independent coffee shop in the centre of Neath faces an uncertain future after local authority plans emerged to redevelop the area into a new, multi-million pound transport hub. Samantha Theron, owner of Brew&Co, has voiced her concerns over the project, which could result in her family-run business being forced to relocate or even close its doors permanently.
The redevelopment proposal, set forth by Neath Port Talbot Council, aims to combine Neath’s bus and rail services at a centralised location, improving access and convenience for commuters. The new transport hub would be constructed in front of Neath Train Station at Station Square, and early designs include a new passenger concourse and covered waiting areas.
While local officials have published digital concept images and launched a public consultation process to gather community feedback, business owners such as Samantha feel left in limbo with insufficient communication about the project’s impact on their livelihoods. “We’ve poured six years of hard work into establishing Brew&Co as a warm, welcoming spot in the town. It’s always bustling with regular customers and passing passengers from the train station, not to mention our loyal staff, who are like a second family,” Samantha explained.
Concerns have been mounting amongst staff and regular patrons alike, with many expressing uncertainty about the coffee shop’s future. “There’s a cloud of speculation hovering over us,” Samantha continued. “We’re being asked for answers we simply don’t have – whether we’ll be demolished, when it might happen, and if there’ll be any support for us moving forward. The lack of clarity is taking its toll on our staff and our ability to plan.”
Another cause for anxiety stems from the recent approval of a match-funded refurbishment grant awarded to Brew&Co. Samantha described her fears about investing thousands into building improvements, only to risk having the premises demolished a few short years later. “The grant was meant to help us revitalise our shop, but it’s daunting to think our efforts could soon be wasted. I discovered our application was successful through social media, which only added to the confusion and stress,” she said.
Wider reaction to the plans suggests unease within the community and local government. At a recent council meeting, Green Party councillor Nathan Goldup-John announced his decision to step down from his coalition role, citing unresolved issues with the transport hub project. He criticised the proposals for disregarding professional feedback and described the plan as “flawed,” raising concerns it would negatively affect local businesses and the environment while failing to meet its objectives.
In response, Neath Port Talbot Council has emphasised that the plans remain subject to public consultation. A council spokesperson stated, “Feedback from the ongoing consultation will inform further development of the design, and final proposals will only be decided upon after due consideration by council members. We encourage continued public engagement to ensure a broad range of views are reflected.” The council reiterated that businesses which applied for refurbishment grants were informed of the potential for future site redevelopment as part of the application process.
Drop-in sessions have been arranged to allow residents and business owners to explore the plans and raise questions with the project team. Project materials, including images and maps, are also accessible via the council’s website. The council maintains that such participation is critical in shaping the future of Neath’s transport infrastructure.
As the consultation period continues, Samantha and other local business owners wait anxiously for greater transparency and support. While the promise of improved public transport is generally welcomed, many feel more robust dialogue and guaranteed transition support are essential to safeguard the unique character and livelihoods that small businesses like Brew&Co bring to the community.
The outcome of the consultation, and the decisions that follow, will determine not just the fate of a cherished town café but also the broader direction of development in Neath. For now, the uncertainty lingers, leaving those most affected hoping for answers and a fair opportunity to play a part in the town’s future.