Historic School Becomes Beacon of Green Innovation in the Amman Valley

This project has been a labour of love for Awel Aman Tawe, who have been developing plans for the Hwb since acquiring it in 2018.

Hwb y Gors will be a significant community resource, offering facilities, activities, and opportunities to support community cohesion and resilience. With a focus on enterprise, education, and the creative sector, HyG will provide an affordable, attractive, and sustainable place to learn, work, volunteer, and play.

Hwb y Gors features:

• Sustainable Technology: Solar panels, ground source heating, and a community food garden.
• Community Spaces: Co-working studios, educational facilities, and a community café.
• Green Initiatives: A community electric transport scheme and a repair café.
• Heritage Preservation: Repurposing the building while preserving its history.

The project was made possible thanks to funding from various sources, including the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), via the Heritage, Culture, Tourism and Events Fund (HCTE), Sustainable Communities Growth Grant Fund (SCGF), Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service (NPTCVS) Third Sector Growth Fund (TSGF) administered by Neath Port Talbot Council.

The UKSPF supported Phases 3 and 4 of the project, including capital works such as fitting the café, changing places toilet/washroom, entrance ramp and external works, sustainable drainage scheme (SUDS), EV charge points, a battery, additional solar panels, lighting, and signage.

Additionally, a green infrastructure project will transform the old tarmacked school playground into a green community space, focusing on biodiversity, positive mental health, food growing, and wildlife habitats. The green space will include a habitat pond, a green-roofed community garden hut, a bug hotel bike shelter, paths, and landscaping, providing a space for volunteering, wildlife, events, activities, and other community opportunities.

The funding also supported the creation of a promotional film about Hwb y Gors, made by Bafta-winning Mike Harrison, and the development of a booking system for events on the Hwb y Gors website. Additionally, it supported a digital inclusion project aimed at helping local people access digital tools and skills, reducing the digital divide.

HyG will be a community resource for local residents and a significant visitor attraction. Furthermore, HyG will be a flagship centre for decarbonisation, serving the region by developing renewable energy, community electric transport, transition-to-net-zero education, and building firm foundations in the Amman/Swansea Valley for the Green Economy.

Councillor Jeremy Hurley, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth for Neath Port Talbot Council said:

“The transformation of Hwb y Gors into a zero-carbon community hub is a remarkable achievement. It showcases Awel Aman Tawe’s commitment to sustainability and economic development. We are proud to support initiatives that drive innovation and promote a greener future. Hwb y Gors stands as a shining example of what we can achieve when we unite towards a common goal.”