Opened on 6 May 1909 by the opera singer Adelina Patti, the Pontardawe Public Hall & Institute contained a reading room, billiards room, and club rooms. The public hall had a capacity of 1500 people. Maintained by a management committee comprised of representatives from local chapels and trades unions, the Hall & Institute remained open until 1994 when the committee transfered ownership to the then Lliw Valley Borough Council. The Pontardawe Arts Centre, which occupies the building today, opened in 1996.

Daryl Leeworthy, RCAHMW, 15 September 2011.