Clydach Development Trust

Description & History

The trust was launched in October 2000, building on the work of a steering group of local people who were concerned about long term economic and community regeneration in Clydach and had the vision of making Clydach a place that residents would be proud of both visually and environmentally.

Following consultation with local residents and employers, the trust decided it would also work to increase the GDP of the area by providing training and facilities to help generate employment opportunities as well as encouraging the participation of the whole community.

Location and Area of Benefit

The trust covers the whole of Clydach in Swansea but also has a focus on the Graigfelen Communities First area.

Main services, Enterprises and Activities

Forge Fach
On the site of the old swimming pool, which was demolished in 2002 from funding obtained for the WDA, the trust, in partnership with the City and County of Swansea and Community Council, has built and developed the new multi purpose Forge Fach Resource Centre at a cost of approx. £1.7 million.

This will provide a range of facilities including IT centre, Training, Nursery, Healthy Living areas, Community Café with an external Multi Use Games area.

High Street
The first phase of work to regenerate the town centre in Clydach and the centre of the High Street was completed in 2003 with new paving and resurfacing of the road having been undertaken.

A second phase in the Capel Buildings area of the High Street, involving a reshaping of the road, and resurfacing work, was completed in 2004, and also included new paving, trees, seats and cycle racks. A third small scheme in Hebron Road has also been completed.

Communities First
The trust appointed a development worker for Graigfelen in 2003 and a consultation exercise was undertaken with external consultants leading to a Communities First partnership for the area. The consultation also extended to the remainder of Clydach alongside the Communities First area.

This is alongside the existing development work taking place including assistance to local groups with funding applications.

Communities First are now based in the new Forge Fach Resource Centre, which is within the Graigfelen Communities First area.

Trust membership scheme
For anyone interested in playing a greater role in the activities of the Trust, there is a membership scheme that ensures local peoples views are heard and that they play a part in the regeneration of Clydach. This is alongside project sub-groups related to different activity or interest groups in the area.

Credit Union
The trust continues to support the LASA Credit Union with a weekly collection point formerly based in the Hebron Road office, which has now relocated to the new Forge Fach Community Resource Centre.