Company gets go-ahead for leisure complex

The Lotus Group, which is headquartered in Banbridge, was given the go-ahead after its planning application was approved by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

The major development project will see The Lotus Group deliver a new 70,000 sq ft facility to replace the former Afan Lido sports and leisure complex in Port Talbot, which was destroyed by fire in 2009.

The £13.4m investment in the landmark sea front location will result in a purpose-built beach front leisure centre, complete with ‘wave design’ roof and featuring a 25m pool with moveable floor; multiple changing facilities, gym/fitness suite, dance studio, four court sports hall, cafe and community rooms.

The Lotus Group has brought together a team of specialist consultants with national and international experience to plan, design and deliver the project. They also implemented a competitive tendering process which resulted in the appointment of another NI-based company, Heron Bros of Magherafelt, to construct and fit out the leisure complex.

Overall responsibility for the project falls with Chris Mundow, Development Director with The Lotus Group who believes the scheme has been sensitively designed to reflect the needs of the local community while also enhancing the potential of the area as a whole.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council on this important project which is of great significance at both economic and community levels, supporting the wider regeneration of Neath Port Talbot and also bringing benefits to the local area and its residents,” said Chris. “This is great news for our company, and is an endorsement of our extensive experience in managing large-scale, complex development projects. Together with the team from Heron Bros we believe this sends out a very positive message about Northern Ireland’s property development and construction sector as a whole, and its ability to compete with the key players in the GB market.”