Neath Unveils Ambitious Vision for New Town Centre Transport Hub
A bold set of plans detailing the future of public transport in Neath have been revealed, as local authorities share a first glimpse of a proposed multi-modal transport hub set to revitalise the heart of the town. Images released by Neath Port Talbot Council indicate a modern facility that would seamlessly bridge together existing bus and rail services, bringing a fresh sense of connectivity and accessibility to the area.
If given the go-ahead, the new transport hub would be situated directly in front of Neath Train Station. The ambition is not only to simplify local journeys by unifying transport modes but also to transform the appearance and utility of Station Square, the key arrival point into Neath. Council leaders hope this transformative gateway will entice greater numbers of commuters, shoppers, workers and visitors into the town centre.
The central proposal seeks to relocate the current bus terminal from Victoria Gardens, combining it with the train station to establish a single, integrated transport hub. By uniting these services in one location, local authorities anticipate a significant boost in convenience and efficiency for all forms of public transport across Neath and the wider Port Talbot area.
Under the new designs, the bus interchange will be protected beneath a striking contemporary canopy, providing shelter from the often unpredictable Welsh weather. Alongside this, architects have included plans for a covered seating concourse furnished with the latest information screens, aiming to create a welcoming and informative environment for passengers in transit.
Wider plans for the redevelopment of Station Square envisage much more than just a new building. The council has stated that, as part of efforts to foster public health and sustainability, the scheme will incorporate safer dedicated walking and cycling routes, as well as secure storage for bicycles. This alignment with the ‘active travel’ agenda reflects a growing commitment in Wales to reduce carbon emissions and encourage healthier forms of transport alongside traditional public transit options.
It is worth noting that these plans are not new to the council’s ambitions; the Neath transport hub has featured in the authority’s long-term corporate development strategies for several years. The most recent architectural proposals, drawn up by the firm WW+P, follow on from earlier publicised concepts and continue to evolve as community feedback and funding opportunities arise.
Financially, the project has already benefited from support via the Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund. However, further progress will remain contingent on additional rounds of government funding, as well as formal planning approvals. The development is therefore still at the proposal stage, pending these vital next steps.
In recognition of the important role public engagement plays in the planning process, Neath Port Talbot Council has launched a consultation period, inviting opinions and suggestions from both Neath residents and those living elsewhere in the borough. The consultation runs until 11 June 2025, presenting a vital opportunity for local voices to be heard and to shape the final design and priorities for the hub.
To facilitate a meaningful exchange with the community, a series of drop-in events are scheduled to be held at Neath Library. These events, which take place between 13 May and 15 May, offer the public a chance to speak directly with council officers, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the proposal in an informal setting.
As local authorities continue to press ahead with their vision, the proposed Neath transport hub stands as a compelling example of how towns across Wales are seeking to modernise their infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and create attractive public spaces—all while supporting the local economies and encouraging greener travel choices. The coming months will reveal the degree of public support for this initiative and, ultimately, shape the final direction of Neath’s transport future.