Princess Royal Theatre refurbishment starts

Morgan Sindall Construction has started work on the £16.9 million refurbishment of the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot, aiming to modernise the 40-year-old venue and improve its accessibility, performance capacity, and public spaces.

Commissioned by Neath Port Talbot Council through the South West Wales framework, the project forms part of the council's broader regeneration plans for the town centre. Scheduled for completion in autumn 2026, the scheme is funded by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, which supports infrastructure projects that have a visible impact on communities and local economies.

The comprehensive upgrade includes stripping the theatre back to its brickwork and remodelling the internal layout to enhance visitor experience. Planned improvements include a redesigned foyer extended into an atrium, enhanced seating options with increased accessibility, expanded toilet facilities, and a relocated bar area oriented towards the atrium. A new lift will also provide step-free access for wheelchair users.

Backstage, the works will extend the rear of the theatre by three metres to enable performers to move between wings without using stairs—a longstanding obstacle that has limited the types of shows the venue can host. A lift will also be installed to facilitate the movement of scenery from the car park to the stage.

External upgrades include the creation of a small amphitheatre for outdoor performances, the removal of an existing fountain, and the addition of green infrastructure such as rain gardens and green roofs to improve biodiversity and manage stormwater. Selected paving will also be replaced with rain-absorbing materials to reduce runoff.

Efforts are being made to retain the building’s historical character, with existing brickwork being reused for interior features, and timber elements on the balcony and main walls being preserved. The original white oak stage will be replaced with a more durable black-painted ply stage, while sections of the old stage will be incorporated into the new design as internal features.

Morgan Sindall has committed to using a local workforce and supply chain within 40 miles of the site and will provide apprenticeships and student placements to ensure the project delivers social as well as economic value.

To limit disruption, construction will be phased to maintain public access and available parking throughout the works.

Rob Williams, Area Director for Morgan Sindall in Wales, said the project represents a “new lease of life” for a building central to the Port Talbot community. Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing at Neath Port Talbot Council, emphasised the cultural and civic importance of the theatre and its role in the town’s wider regeneration strategy.