Delivering Lasting Community Benefits at Pontardawe Arts Centre
At Neath Port Talbot Council, we are committed to ensuring that our procurement activities deliver meaningful benefits for local people, businesses and communities.
A great example of this is the £2 million refurbishment of Pontardawe Arts Centre, delivered by John Weaver Contractors Ltd through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework.
The project included the addition of a new 74-seat cinema and improvements to the café bar and box office, enhancing a much-loved community venue.
Working alongside NPTCBC’s Community Benefits Team, the project generated significant social value throughout its delivery.
Jobs, Skills and Local Investment
The scheme delivered 457 weeks of targeted training and recruitment opportunities, while a partnership with Cyfle Building Skills supported six shared apprenticeships, helping local people gain valuable industry experience.
The project also supported the regional economy, with 98% of subcontractors sourced from South Wales-based SMEs.
Supporting Communities and Young People
John Weaver Contractors supported a range of local initiatives, including sponsorship of Margam Deer Girls Football Team and STEM engagement activities with pupils from Godre’rgraig Primary School, helping inspire the next generation.
The contractor also donated £1,000 and a selection of tools to Croeso Shed Community Hub in Pontardawe, a community initiative established by Ann Evans in memory of her late husband, Gerwyn Evans, providing a welcoming space where people can connect, learn new skills and support their wellbeing.
Additional contributions included donating materials and staff time for community projects, providing materials to repair the mural wall outside the Arts Centre, and carrying out regular litter picks around Pontardawe.
The Pontardawe Arts Centre refurbishment demonstrates how construction projects can deliver benefits far beyond the physical works, creating opportunities, supporting local organisations and leaving a lasting positive impact on the community.
