Generations

Our project is a call to action against the loss of small communities like Resolven in the valleys. We recognize the importance of belonging and aim to reinstate the Resolven Miner's Welfare Centre (RMW) as a place for intergenerational connection and development. To achieve this, we plan to introduce apprenticeship schemes as a primary source of financial support. These schemes will not only generate funding opportunities but also provide disadvantaged individuals with a chance to gain qualifications and enter the professional realm.

Based on a demographic study of Resolven and our vision for the Miner's Welfare Centre, we have identified the current and proposed users, as well as example activities. Our goal is to respect and enhance the existing facilities while incorporating new activities such as apprenticeship schemes, dance classes, and amenities for ramblers passing through the village.

The extension of the welfare centre expands upon the existing community functions on the ground floor. We envision a vibrant courtyard surrounded by a radial arrangement of functions, creating an adaptable and joyful space for events and activities at the RMW.

To make the building more welcoming, efficient, and accessible to a wider intergenerational audience, adjustments will be made to the built fabric. We aim to transform the centre into a true "community living room" by considering the building's history, relevance to the community, and the balance between public and private spaces, including the apprenticeship learning areas.

To address the running costs of the Resolven Miners Welfare, staffing and heating are identified as the most impactful. In our long-term proposal, we prioritize addressing these challenges. Staffing costs will be minimized through government-funded apprenticeship schemes, while room-by-room electrical underfloor heating powered by solar panels will reduce energy demand when only a portion of the building is in use. Rainwater harvesting, along with air source heat pumps and underfloor electrical heating, will further contribute to energy efficiency. The project will involve a substantial design development stage, gathering funding and voluntary community efforts, before hiring a professional architect to finalize the design and