A petition has been launched to protect the former Neath library based at Victoria Gardens.
The listed building, which was constructed in 1904, was left vacant this year, after the opening of the multi-million Neath leisure centre development, which is also home to a new library, opened on February 1. The new library at the site has more than 30,000 books, 16 public computers, and Wi-Fi throughout, as well as a dedicated children’s library, family history research area and local studies collection, with self-service kiosks.
It is hoped the improved it will attract more than 200,000 visitors to the town each year. However there are a number of councillors and residents in the town who want to guarantee the protection of the old library building.
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A petition, which currently has more than 300 signatures from residents, is addressed to the Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council and discusses future opportunities for the building, such as potentially turning it into a museum or art centre.
The petition reads: "Neath Library was constructed in 1904-5 to provide a public library service for our town. After over 100 years of service, a new library opened in January, 2023, putting the future of the existing Library building in doubt.
"We believe our historical asset should not be left to rot. Nor should we sell off this building to the highest bidder. The Neath Port Talbot Green Party believe that we should retain this building and convert it into a Museum for Neath.
"Neath currently has few places to host all of its wonderful historical assets - including rich industrial artefacts and documents demonstrating that the Welsh Rugby Union was founded in Neath. We've had it all and we want to showcase our town as the jewel we know it can be."
Green Party councillor, Nathan Goldup-John, is one of the people behind the campaign and said it was something that was very important to many in the area. He said: "The petition is to secure the future of this locally listed building in Neath, and future-proof it by having a museum or art centre that can be used by the community, and also to ask for some feasibility studies to look at these options.
"The petition has gained a lot of support on social media and after going out and speaking to people it seems like they do want to see us keep it to celebrate our local heritage. The fear is the building gets left to ruin and with it being such an important building in Neath for such a long period of time it would be a shame to let that fade away. This building has shaped so many of our predecessors and family members we don't want to let it go, especially when we can make something positive of it." You can read more of our stories from Neath Port Talbot here, or subscribe to our newsletter here.
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