Revival of historic listed building
The building, which is Grade II listed and within a conservation area, was in the Gothic revivalist architectural style and had served as a members’ club since opening in the 1880s. However, trade had declined as society changed; the club closed in early 2017 and the building lay empty.
Working alongside a major leisure company, JWPC undertook an appraisal of the site to identify the planning potential for a change of use to a drinking establishment, with internal and external alterations and a rear beer garden. Applications for planning and listed building consent were submitted alongside detailed planning justification which took into account the amenity of residents of nearby apartments.
The subsequent investment into the building was much welcomed by Neath Port Talbot Council and the ‘Allan Leonard Lewis VC’ (named after a local war hero) opened in October 2017. The building’s unique historic selling point has to date proved a roaring success with the local community.
