Courts to Canopy – a Nature Restoration Project

1.1 Introduction

Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (the “Council”) is seeking to appoint the services of a contractor, to enable the transformation of a local Tennis Courts in the area of King George V Pontardawe. The old tennis courts will become a space for people and nature introducing a meadow, tree Planting, Sustainable Urban Drainage Features (SuDS), natural play, hedgerow and pathways. This development will meets local needs, supports communities and their health, builds ecosystem resilience, and enhances biodiversity.

The project is setting out a new approach to designing and delivering green infrastructure (GI) in Neath Port Talbot for the benefit of local communities and their natural environment.

It is looking at new ways of turning ‘grey to green’ by using nature as a way to combat the effect of climate change; help us deal more effectively with issues relating to noise and air pollution, rainwater run offs and nature emergency.

The project will result in the delivery of GI being built into existing policies, plans and work practices. It will illustrate best practices with a view of encouraging similar projects to take place throughout the county borough.

1.2 Scope of Services

The project will require two stages, stage 1:

1. Make ready site compound, and provide protection for existing grassland, shrubs and trees in vehicle route to tennis courts
2. CEMP, Sound Mitigation Plan and Risk assessments
3. Removal and disposal of existing site materials; tarmac and fencing surrounding the tennis court

Stage 2, installation of, as per detailed design attached in appendix:

1. Re levelling of surface to provide drainage to select SuDS features
2. Replacement of existing drainage pipe at western edge of tennis court.
3. SuDS features, SWALE, Retention Basin
4. Planting as per planting notice within appendix
5. Pathways
6. Natural play area using boulders
7. Hedgerow on Eastern Edge
8. Fencing on southern edge to protect from drop into council yard

Return site with sign off from council officers and contractor.

Works to be completed by end of March 2027.