A multipurpose theatre and festival site located within and around the ruins of a 12th century Cistercian abbey.

Neath abbey is statistically a socially deprived location and this project aims to bolster the local community. Providing a nationally recognised facility of entertainment that will draw people both to a historically rich heritage site and the commercial aspects of the local town. The site is incredibly sensitive, with a large 12th century ruin occupying most of the area. The building had to tastefully integrate with the existing remnants of the abbey and maintain this architectural language throughout, whilst providing the provisions necessary for a multipurpose theatre that can also be used for community functions.

Recognising that Neath Abbey was a socially deprived community with a lack of work opportunities, education and higher than average community depression, I sought inspiration in dramatics as it was something that was a personal reprieve. I thought I would be able to emulate aspects of the national youth theatre in order to help a community in need.

Developing a language of ruinous intervention was critical, and finding a way to playfully integrate the site with the wider context was also key, and both lead to interesting developments. however, the bulk of the work revolved around programming a multi-purpose theatrical space within the footprint of the abbeys ruins.

In conclusion, the new site only adds to what was there previously; an unused shell that was little more than a shadow of the towns former glory, preserved for the notional and surface level pleasure of a few. On reflection, the design could have been better substantiated by increased research into how theatrics affects a local population for the better. Who doesn't love a good show though?