Treherbert Activity Park

My project is located in a small village in the uppermost part of the Rhonndha Valley called Treherbert. Treherbert is a former industrial coal mining village that reached its economic peak between 1850 and 1920. Treherbert faces many challenges now as a former mining town, with a lack of investment , infrastructure spending and foot-traffic on the high street. The town and the surrounding area are however abundant in natural resources and the valleys provide and excellent opportunity to bring tourists and cyclists to the area.

The building is a multi-functional structure designed to manage the threshold between the forest of Treherbert and the town. It will serve as a cycling hub, a visitor center, a place to eat, a workshop, and an administrative place for Welcome To Our Woods. The purpose of the program is to create a way for the community and visitors of the center to engage with Treherbert's forests and its rich history.

As a cycling hub, the building serves as a stop-off point on a cycle route that will connect the Afan and Rhondda Valleys, providing a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of the Valleys. The Cycle hub also offers bike rentals, repairs, and storage for cyclists as well as instructional lessons on downhill mountain biking. As a workshop, the building offers a space for local artist craftsmen to showcase their work, teach others about their craft and collaborate on projects related to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. As a visitor center the building will provide information, exhibits, and educational programming about the local history, culture, and environment.

It will enhance the visitor’s experience and understanding of the valleys, teaching and promoting the culture of preservation and management of natural resources. The project is one of revitalization, showing a new face to Treherbert, to bring the town closer to its founding roots but also looking towards the future as the town finds new purpose in allowing people greater access to its tremendous natural beauty while also giving back to the community in a meaningful way.