New Plans for Public Spaces and Active Travel in Sandfields and Aberavon
Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Council is asking residents and visitors to give their feedback on planned improvements to walking, wheeling and cycling routes across Sandfields and the Aberavon seafront area.
About the project
The 4.7km Sandfields Active Travel & Public Space Improvements Project aims to make everyday journeys, such as going to school, the shops, to work or to the beach easier and safer without needing a car.
The scheme will create a continuous, accessible route linking the seafront with National Cycle Network Route 4 on the Afan Way dual carriageway, forming a circular route. The project also forms a key part of ongoing regeneration work at the seafront and supports the Aberavon Seafront Masterplan, ensuring that public space improvements across the community work together to deliver long term benefits.
Enhanced Footways and Walking Facilities
- Delivery of new and upgraded footways across the project area, including completing missing links, such as the currently absent section on Purcel Avenue near the Naval Club.
- Widening of shared use paths, including sections along Solar Way and the footway surrounding the playground.
- Resurfacing of worn and damaged pavements, with priority locations including parts of Victoria Road.
Improved Cycling Network
- Introduction of dedicated cycle lanes along Princess Margaret Way, helping separate cyclists from general traffic and reducing the need for cycling on the busy promenade.
- On road cycling routes on Handel Avenue, Purcell Avenue, Scarlet Avenue and St Paul’s Road, supported by selective, minimal traffic calming measures designed to manage vehicle speeds and improve cyclist safety.
- Installation of new cycle parking.
Safer Crossing Points
- Installation of 8 new Toucan crossings on Princess Margaret Way and Victoria Road.
- Delivery of 5 new Parallel crossings in busy areas, including Solar Way and the Princess Margaret Way/Dalton Road/Western Avenue roundabout.
- More than 50 new or upgraded uncontrolled crossings, including the addition of dropped kerbs, tactile paving and improved kerb alignments.
- Renewal of crossings at the Victoria Road/Hospital Road/Newbridge Road junction.
Better Bus Facilities
- Introduction of a new bus stop opposite Remo’s, supporting revised bus routing along the seafront.
- Replacement or installation of bus shelters where they are missing or outdated.
Road Resurfacing
- Full resurfacing of the Princess Margaret Way carriageway, improving journey quality for all road users.
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, Councillor Wyndham Griffiths said, “Official data shows that in parts of Sandfields, fewer than half of households own a car, which makes our active travel scheme even more important. Nonetheless, these plans for Sandfields and Aberavon seafront offer a good balance of improvements for everyone, whether you drive, cycle or walk.
"I strongly encourage anyone who lives in or visits these areas to have their say on the proposals which would offer improved safety and better-connected routes, whilst also lifting the overall appearance."
Have Your Say: The council is seeking public feedback to help finalise the design proposals, the survey closes on 11th March 2026.
Complete the survey by visiting: www.npt.gov.uk/activetravel If you have further questions or would like to discuss the proposals in more detail, you are invited to attend one of the face-to-face engagement events at Aberavon Leisure Centre:
Monday, 2nd March 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, 7th March 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Members of the project team will be available throughout these sessions to talk you through the plans, answer questions and record any feedback. Paper copies of all downloadable materials, including the survey and supporting plans, are also available from Sandfields Library, Port Talbot Library, and Neath Library for those who prefer to review the proposals offline. You can also contact the team at:activetravel@npt.gov.uk