£4m boost for Port Talbot docks regeneration
DEVELOPERS have unveiled details of a multi-million pound investment that will kick-start the regeneration of Port Talbot docks.
Deryn Properties Investment has been given the go-ahead to develop a new justice centre to replace the town's magistrates court and provide other legal services.
Work is expected to start in January, with a completion date of next October.
The finished centre will be rented to Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS), which selected Cardiff-based Deryn as preferred developer for the new centre after an extensive search. Deryn's managing director David Stacey told the Post: "A lot of the staff at the magistrates court have been working in portable offices for years.
"Part of the brief was how quickly we could get them all accommodated in a new facility. We have to have them all in occupation by January 2011, but we are trying to fast-track it to get them all in by next Christmas."
Deryn is working in partnership with construction company Sir Robert McAlpine, which is acting as contractor and will carry out the building work.
How many jobs will be created is not yet known, but McAlpine has a policy of recruiting locally.
Mr Stacey said the finished building would be handed over to the HMCS for it to fit out to its own standards.
He estimated the investment as between £3.5 million and £4 million.
As well as the magistrates court, the L-shaped centre will incorporate a tribunal hearing centre serving Neath, Port Talbot and Swansea, as well as a secure wing and office for the HMCS enforcement team.
Neath Port Talbot councillors have now approved the development, the first part of a proposed large-scale regeneration.
Head of planning Geoff White said: "I think it's one that ought to be supported as the first building in the old docks area."
Mr Stacey said the justice centre development would occupy around two acres at the entrance to the 16-acre site.
"What we are hoping is that when people start to see the quality of building we are putting there, there will be interest from other organisations that are looking for accommodation," he added.
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
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4 Comments
by jeffery, port talbot (dirty town)
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 4:50PM
“strange this council can find money for developments like this but cannot find money to fix local roads or pay for drugs for cancer patients”
by jeffery, port talbot (dirty town)
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 4:48PM
“strange this council can find money for developments like this but cannot find money to fix local roads or pay for drugs for cancer patients”
by Brian Morris, Neath Port Talbot
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 3:00AM
“Interesting article, so the new justice centre will be located much closer to the world largest Biomass (biomess) power Station - seems a strange move and I hope the Her Majesty's Court Services have consulted the right Health and Safety departments as they have a duty of care for their workforce. I would be very worried if I worked for the justice service.”
by Dai Chotomy, Swansea
Tuesday, December 01 2009, 12:02PM
“Regeneration of Port Talbot Docks? Surely you mean "Dockland". Would not the regeneration of Port Talbot Docks refer to the industry?”