Margam Park is poised to improve its offer to visitors thanks to a scheme to transform digital connectivity across the region.
The park is one of the key locations across Neath Port Talbot earmarked for investment as part of The Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme.
Margam Park has struggled with connectivity issues due to its rurality and lack of fibre infrastructure in the area. Now, with a full fibre build planned under the programme, there will be the opportunity to capitalise on innovative new digital offers.
Neath Port Talbot Council says this will ‘undoubtedly increase its attraction to visitors’.
Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet member for Nature, Tourism and Leisure said:
“Margam Park is a significant attraction and key location in Wales which has been held back by poor connectivity over the years.
“Getting full fibre will mean improving the visitor experience and furthering what the park can offer the thousands who visit each year. These proposed plans are a welcomed step forward in bridging the digital divide in our region.”
The Neath Port Talbot scheme will see approximately £505,000 invested in the county, part of the broader £1.7 million initiative spanning the region.
The Full Fibre Infrastructure Build is being delivered using the Welsh Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA), the secure Welsh Government network for public sector organisations. The proposed plans are set to bring futureproofing connectivity to 68 public sector assets across the Swansea Bay City Deal region and 401 additional premises, driving economic growth and digital transformation.
The Neath Port Talbot investment will provide its target public sector sites – including libraries, leisure centres, country parks, and council buildings – with gigabit-capable connectivity.
In addition to public sector sites, residents surrounding these locations will be able to take advantage of better connectivity options as a result of the full fibre investment.
The implementation of full fibre connectivity (FTTP) is set to deliver substantial cost savings for local authorities as it is a more reliable and cheaper long-term solution than some of the existing connectivity options which some sites are currently having to use. FTTP will also mean these sites will be futureproofed for increased usage.
Chris Owen, Chief Digital Officer for Neath Port Talbot Council, said:
“Neath Port Talbot is well on the path to becoming a smart region, ready and able to innovate and adopt emerging technologies. These plans are a welcomed investment to the area and will undoubtedly contribute to economic growth, improved public services, and a more connected and inclusive community.”
The project is scheduled for completion in September 2025.
