Our story
Awel Charity has set up two co-ops: Awel Aman Tawe (AAT), the wind farm, and Egni, the solar co-op. Egni is the largest rooftop solar charity in the UK.
Both AAT & Egni's community share offer has enabled money to go back into the community in the form of free solar panels, education and now the up-and-coming Hwb y Gors. The centre will be a beacon for renewable energy and sustainability.
The AAT wind farm is within walking distance and can be reached from Hwb y Gors. We hope to offer educational trips to the wind farm. The Hwb itself will be an Arts, education and enterprise centre serving the community. There will be workshops and activities, and a rehearsal space for drama, dance or music groups. Equipment for use will include a kiln! It will be a haven for local artists, crafters and makers. There will be a community cafe and office space and an area for hot desking or workshops.
The building has been designed to be very accessible and there will be disabled changing facilities - which currently do not exist in the local area. We have received support from various funders. We are currently consulting the community on what they would like to include and any ideas they have.
Our advice
We are still in the renovation stage so there is a lot of learning along the journey.
Our metrics
Awel Aman Tawe have bought the old Cymgors Primary School and are lovingly renovating it into a zero-carbon, Arts, Education and Enterprise Centre for the community. From solar installation to lime cladding and a ground source heat pump, all aspects of the renovation are designed to upgrade and preserve the old building. Sustainability is being prioritised and we are aiming for Zero Carbon emissions.
