The previous Metal Box factory was one of Neath’s most iconic buildings. Now, it has been given a new future. I hope people can work here again.
The site covers an area of ​​55 acres and is occupied by a metal container factory for more than 70 years. The factory is known locally as the “box”.
However, since the closest residence, Crown Packaging, closed in 2016 and laid off 245 employees, the future of this historic building on Milland Road seems doubtful and has been vacant for many years. However, work is now being done on this former factory to transform it into a product that can last for several years. The Neath Port Talbot Council has been renovating the interior of the building to turn it into a “business district” with the goal of creating new jobs.
Construction work on the site is still in progress, but there are currently many refurbished offices available for rent. The refurbished office includes high-spec, pod-style interiors, parking, “super high-speed” broadband, shower facilities and a “unique entrance hall”.
They were also advertised as not far from Neath train station and M4 subway station. The building is only 9 miles from Swansea and 40 miles from Cardiff. Accommodation is spread over three floors, with six separate “cores” used to occupy the entire area or composed of separate wing suites.
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With the support of the Welsh government’s targeted regeneration investment plan, the Port Nes Talbot Council purchased the site in 2019 with the goal of creating up to 400 jobs. Sevenoaks Modular purchased approximately 50% of the building’s production area, which gave a “major push” for the project.
The renovation work focused on the modernization of the office building, which was carried out by Andrew Scott Ltd., a contractor based in Port Talbot.
Ness Talbot City Council Cabinet Member Annette Wingrave on Regeneration and Sustainable Development said: And our nearby valley communities.
“The idea is to work with local businesses to provide offices and other facilities to create expansion and growth opportunities. This is a real achievement, and despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the site has made great progress.
“We now have an office ready to allow more potential job opportunities to stay on site. This has not changed. This will be the main help for the region to recover from the pandemic.”
Although many renovations have been completed, multiple stages are still required, including re-roofing the rest of the office space, which will begin in a few months.
The site also has a former industrial production area suitable for various uses within the manufacturing range.