Coed Darcy
The redevelopment of the former oil refinery at Coed Darcy is one of Wales’ most ambitious regeneration projects.
THE HISTORY
Coed Darcy is being built on brownfield land vacated by a former oil refinery, the Llandarcy Oil Refinery, owned by BP. The oil refinery was the first crude oil refinery in the UK, and was constructed between 1918 and 1922. The refinery produced diesel, kerosene and other products.
During the post-war period, the refinery underwent large scale development as demand for products increased to 340,000 tonnes per year. Due to economic changes, it was announced in 1997 that the site would close.
The redevelopment of the former oil refinery at Coed Darcy is one of Wales’ most ambitious regeneration projects. St. Modwen are working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to progress the scheme. A key aspiration of the scheme will be the creation of a community within a well designed and high quality environment. It will become a place where the residents will be able to live, work and relax.
THE CHALLENGE
Design a new town from scratch on the site of a former oil refinery!
In 1997 it was announced that the Llandarcy Oil Refinery would close. The land was remediated and an entire new town was planned to replace the brownfield site.
All complexities of a new town were considered, including mobility and housing options, the environment, and education, among others.
Since the new community is centered around bus transit, we made sure to make it enjoyable to wait for the bus by giving people things to do. Including a beautiful park with an outdoor movie screen to make waiting for the bus fun!
