Neath £13m redevelopment includes shops and car park

The development will create 110,000 sq ft of new retail space linked to the existing town centre at Wind Street

A £13m town centre redevelopment has been welcomed by community and business leaders.

Shops and a new multi-storey car park will be built in Neath alongside its civic centre thanks to the Regeneration Investment Fund for Wales (RIFW).

It is funded by the Welsh government and European Union and aims to stimulate and support urban projects.

The development will create 110,000 sq ft of new retail space linked to the existing town centre at Wind Street.

Work will begin in the new year.

Housing, regeneration and heritage minister Huw Lewis said it was positive news for Neath.

"Town centres are the heart of communities, providing opportunities for jobs and leisure and ensuring that services are available locally but they are increasingly under threat from out-of-town shopping development and online shopping.

"The Welsh government is committed to helping town centres to adapt to these threats."

Mr Lewis said he hoped the project would bring about economic and community benefits.

"Projects such as this one, which is expected to create many new jobs, are so important in today's tough economic climate," he added.

Business minister Edwina Hart said: "This investment will help transform the centre of Neath, support town centre businesses and safeguard local jobs by attracting more shoppers and visitors to the area."