Pontardawe Arts Centre
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Externally, there are few changes to the building
Martine Hamilton Knight (website) Download Original
Refurbishment of Pontardawe's 1908 working-men's institute to create a community arts centre including gallery space and a multi-purpose hall
The existing public hall was restored with provision made for the removal of seats to accommodate dance and musical events. Backstage space was redesigned to include WCs, changing rooms and two additional escape stairs.
The ground floor of the institute includes an exhibition space created by removing non-structural partitions, and, served by the new reception desk, an administration area and disabled WC.
A meeting room and a multi-purpose room have been provided on the first floor with adjacent changing facilities. On the second floor, partitions have been removed to create a top-lit studio/gallery space for arts clubs and classes.
The architect’s aim was to clarify circulation and arrange facilities so that separate building functions could operate independently. Most alterations to the building are internal, while the exterior has been restored and a glazed entrance added.
Data
- Completed: 1996
- Sectors: Arts and culture, Civic, Education, Sports and leisure
- Total cost: £1.6M
- Address: Herbert Street, Pontardawe, Swansea, SA8 4ED, United Kingdom
Professional Team 
- Architect: Niall Phillips Architects
- Project architects: Craig Underdown, Gavin Birt, Martin Gill
- Client: Lliw Valley Borough Council
- Main contractor: Sharpe and Ayers
- Clerk of Works: John Hampton
- Planning supervisor: Ove Arup & Partners
- Acoustic consultant: Kelston Consultants
- Structural engineer: Rust Consulting
- M&E engineer: Rust Consulting
- Quantity surveyor: Wheeler Group
Suppliers
- Slate floors: Kirkstone Ltd
- Timber floors: Junckers
- Auditorium fit-out: A S Green
- Structural glazing: Solaglas
- Auditorium balcony cast iron: B Levy & Co
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