Community

Originally named Ynysfach (meaning clearing or field), Resolven is located in the Welsh Valleys 12 km north of Neith. In the early-mid 1800s, the coal mining industry was established in the surrounding area, providing a huge number of jobs. Mining became a catalyst for growth in the population and local economy. Infrastructure like the Vale of Neith Railway and the aqueduct on Clydach Brook by Isambard Kingdom Brunel were constructed. In the 1920s the Resolven Miner’s Welfare building was built and funded by the wages of the local miners and became a community hub for the surrounding towns. Among other things, it has been home to a theatre, cinema and a soup kitchen (the third in Britain during the 1970s mining strikes).

‘The streets would be bustling with people queuing up for
the cinema on a Friday or Saturday’

With the privitisation of the mining industry in 1995, the Miner’s Welfare building slowly became less-well maintained and in the mid 00s the cinema closed its doors for the final time. In more recent times, the COVID-19 pandemic and a serious leak on the ground floor almost pushed the building to full closure.

This project aims to revive the Resolven community through a regeneration of the Miner’s Welfare building.

Reflecting on the old soup kitchen which provided warm meals to the Resolven community during the mining strikes, the community kitchen and kitchen garden will provide a similar function during the cost of living crisis and beyond.

The cafe and event space aims to build on the current bar and stage where community groups get together. The cafe replacing the bar will make the space more inclusive and food from the community kitchen can be served there.

The community meeting pod will provide groups with a bookable private space to discuss and meet. The Nook will be a smaller private space providing individuals with the opportunity to have 1-on-1 chats and therapy sessions.

Phase 1 - Adding vapour barrier & 200mm of rockwool thermal insulation to external walls. Internal wall finish - 12mm plywood boarding. Moving kitchen units. Taking down sections of internal walls.

Phase 2 - Replacing existing windows with crittall windows. Removing pebble dash from brickwork. Performing maintenance on roof to fix leaks.

Phase 3 - Construct timber planting platform. Landscape the garden space. Plant green privacy strip. Replace railings with timber posts.

Phase 4 - Implement lift in lift shaft. Maintenance on theatre and top level seating. Removing seating on main level and implement spring board for dance.

Phase 5 - Add raised table over crossroad and outside entrance of building.