The New Plaza, Port Talbot, Neath Port Talbot
Details
Accessibility
"We have Blue badge parking out back with ramped accessibility on the side and back of the building with a stair lift at the front of the building. We have disability friendly toilets both downstairs and upstairs."
Brief description
"Welcome to The New Plaza in Port Talbot
Following its £6.5 million redevelopment The New Plaza in Port Talbot is an iconic modern multi-purpose community, business and healthy living centre that will provide a significant range of facilities and services to the community. The Centre is well positioned in the heart of Port Talbot, directly opposite the train station and 1 minute drive to the M4 motorway.
The New Plaza is designed to meet the needs of the people of Port Talbot and managed by YMCA Port Talbot..
“YMCA Port Talbot’s Vision is of an inclusive movement transforming communities so that all people from any background can belong, contribute and thrive”
YMCA Port Talbot plans to incorporate these values into The New Plaza and Inspire Port Talbot and the Local Community"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_cinema,_Port_Talbot
2025: "The Plaza is a former cinema in Port Talbot. The building is listed for protection as Grade II.[1] The cinema opened in April 1940.[2][3] It has a modern design with Art Deco influences.[2] Patrons included Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins.[4]
The cinema was built in 1939 and opened in April 1940.[2] It initially closed as a cinema in 1983 with the film Tootsie when it was converted into a bingo club.[3] It re-opened again as a cinema on 18 October 1985 with Walt Disney's Peter Pan.[3] It finally closed on 4 January 1999 after several multiplex cinemas had opened around the venue, starving the cinema of "first run" new release film product.[3]
The cinema was listed Grade II on 4 August 1999 because it was considered a very rare example in Wales of 1930s cinema architecture,[2] with an interior which was largely intact.[2] It was purchased by the local authority in 2009, but by 2019 the building was derelict, and a campaign was launched to save it and turn it over for community use.[5]
In March 2021 Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council announced that £3.6 million had been set aside to convert the space to include a café and gym, office space, conference area, recording studio and shops.[6] By November 2021 work on the refurbishment of the cinema and its reopening as a community hub were under way.[7]"
https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/18212
"This very imposing cinema building on Talbot Road opened at Easter 25th March 1940 and had 1,447 seats. It looks like a typical ‘Odeon’ circuit cinema, but it was always operated as an independent. It closed as a cinema with the film “Tootsie” in 1983 and was converted into a bingo club.
However this too had closed in July 1985. The Plaza Cinema was re-opened again as a cinema on 18th October 1985 with Walt Disney’s “Peter Pan”. By August 1988 it was converted into a three screen operation with seating capacities in the screens listed as 450, 165 and 120. The Plaza Cinema finally closed on 4th January 1999 with a screening of “Prince of Egypt”. The Apollo group had opened a new multiplex cinema in Port Talbot.
The Plaza Cinema has stood empty, unused and ‘For Sale’ since closing. By 2018 it is owned by the local council. It is a Grade II Listed building.
The auditorium was demolished in September 2020. A new building was constructed which is in use as a gymnasium/fitness centre and community centre, using the original cinema entrance and foyer.
- Community Connection: The heart of Port Talbot now beats within our walls. Conveniently located opposite the train station and a mere minute’s drive from the M4 motorway, The New Plaza is accessible to all. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, business opportunities, or a healthier lifestyle, we’ve got you covered.
- Inclusive Vision: Guided by YMCA Port Talbot’s vision, we’re committed to transforming communities. Our goal? To create a space where everyone—regardless of background—can belong, contribute, and thrive. It’s more than a building; it’s a movement.
- Facilities and Services: From flexible workspaces for entrepreneurs to wellness studios for fitness enthusiasts, The New Plaza caters to diverse needs. Expect a vibrant mix of arts, culture, business, and health—all under one roof.
- Inspiring Collaboration: We’re not just a place; we’re a catalyst for positive change. As we collaborate with Inspire Port Talbot and the local community, we’ll nurture creativity, resilience, and well-being."
- https://thenewplaza.wales/main-hall/
- Main Hall: The Meyrick Sheen Theatre
- Theatre Excellence: Within the esteemed confines of Port Talbot’s iconic art deco Plaza lies the Meyrick Sheen Theatre—a venue that commands attention. With a seating capacity of 198, it stands as a testament to artistic expression and cultural enrichment."
Address
14 Talbot Road, Port Talbot SA13 1DH
+ plazareception@ymcaporttalbot.wales
Phone
01639 373464
Website
https://www.facebook.com/TheNewPlaza/
Directions
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Transport
Amenities
"Facilities
Business Hub
Gym
Fitness Studio
Main Hall
Recording Studio
Caffi Plaza"
Travel Information
For further travel information in Wales please see: www.traveline.cymru/travel-info
Or call Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000
Location
Nearest Venues
Port Talbot, Wales. Open Daily. Free Entry.
71 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.