The former Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot has been renamed Yr Aelwyd, meaning the Hearth, following an £18m funding award to Neath Port Talbot Council for its refurbishment.
Renovation and new name
The newly-refurbished venue in Port Talbot’s Civic Square is expected to be completed in 2027. It will provide theatre performances, community uses, and new meeting and conference facilities.
A council spokesman said: “Traditionally Yr Aelwyd (The Hearth) is at the heart of the home – a place to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories.”
Community focus
The spokesman added: “Yr Aelwyd will be Port Talbot’s theatre, a place that local people can be proud of and be part of by bringing them together through the arts and entertainment. It will be a venue with real provenance and a showcase for local talent and stories.”
“The refurbished theatre is designed to attract audiences to experience Port Talbot’s legacy of performance, creativity, and storytelling and as a place for the community and local creative groups to come together.”
Funding and launch
The multi-million-pound project is under construction and was made possible by UK Government funding alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. Its name was launched with a video shared by the council in July, featuring well-known locals including Welsh rugby player Richard Hibbard, actor Stuart Broad, and owner of San Portablo clothing Nigel Hunt.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s cabinet member for nature, tourism, and wellbeing, Cllr Cen Phillips, said: “The name Yr Aelwyd beautifully captures what this new venue will represent for Port Talbot – a welcoming place where people can come together to share experiences, enjoy creativity, and make lasting memories.”
“Yr Aelwyd will be much more than a theatre; it will be a focal point for our community and visitors, bringing people into the heart of the town, and supporting Port Talbot’s continued regeneration.”
