Demolition of Afan Lido to begin in September
Demolition contractors are scheduled to begin work on the charred remains of a destroyed seafront water park in South Wales in September.
Local people have been growing impatient for work to begin on Port Talbot's Afan Lido since it was destroyed by an inferno in December 2009. The local authority, Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Council, has said it is now seeking tenders from demolition contractors to take down the structure, following extensive work to decontaminate the site.
The council's head of property, Gareth Nutt, said the work could even begin before September, if the contractors are available.
"The removal of the contamination from the pool hall now leaves open the opportunity to demolish the pool hall and associated buildings," he said. "Subject to undertaking the necessary work in relation to utility supplies, it could be programmed for September this year. It may be possible to bring this forward if technical issues can be resolved earlier."
He warned, however, that it would be another year before work on the £13 million replacement for the popular attraction could begin. A detailed report on the rebuilding will be considered by the council's economic and community regeneration cabinet board on Thursday.
