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The 74-seat cinema in the centre of Pontardawe features state-of-the-art projection, an immersive Dolby Atmos sound system and comfortable seating, and is part of a major £2m redevelopment project including a new café bar, updated theatre facilities and other building improvements. 

The project has received funding from the Arts Council of Wales and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Welsh Government via its Transforming Towns programme, Neath Port Talbot Council and the UK Government via its Shared Prosperity Fund. 

Unveiling a plaque at the Arts Centre to declare the cinema officially open, Cllr Hunt paid tribute to centre manager Meirion Gittins and his staff who kept the centre open throughout the development project so the community did not lose its vital facilities.

He said: “Pontardawe Arts Centre is truly at the heart of the community here and has been for years. This new cinema shows the council’s commitment to supporting, promoting and nurturing the arts and in so doing inspire and bring communities together.”

Cllr Hunt added the new cinema “would not have left the planning stage” if it had not been for the generous actions of the funders and he also praised the council’s Environment and Regeneration Team, its in-house architects as well as designers Childs Sulzmann Architects, project managers MDA Consulting and main contractors John Weaver (Contractors) Ltd.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, added at the opening: “This place means so much to so many. It’s the beating heart of the town. A place everyone knows, and everyone has an association with, along with the fondest of memories. It’s THE local meeting place for the young …and not so young. It would be difficult to imagine Pontardawe without its ‘Arts Centre’ – and who would ever want to do that?!

“We’ve looked at last month’s activities here to give you some idea of what goes on! It’s amazing and inspiring. Bearing in mind construction work was still going on, this building hosted more than 60 classes, workshops and meetings in September alone …as well as live music, drama, and films on the old screen in the historic auditorium. 

“Classes and community groups included local junior dance groups, ballet classes, fitness classes for all ages, film making workshops; film club meetings, adult learning sessions and Youth Theatre rehearsals! I could go on! Almost 3,000 people used this building last month, which is truly remarkable!”

The invited audience at the official opening watched a short film on the      long history of the Pontardawe Arts Centre building. The venue was originally built in 1908 as a Public Hall and Institute and was opened with much celebration in 1909 by famous singer Madame Adeline Patti.

The cinema is now open with the first screenings at the venue being Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with sci-fi adventure TRON: Ares coming soon.