A fresh community centre could be built on a site in one of Wales’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods after plans were submitted to Blaenau Gwent council.

The Cefn Golau Together group is seeking permission to construct the facility on undeveloped land located between 35 and 53 Gainsborough Road in the Cefn Golau district of Tredegar.

Planning representative Huw Griffiths stated that the scheme represents the result of extensive community effort, ongoing consultation and joint design work over many years.

According to Mr Griffiths, the development would deliver a purpose-designed, adaptable and fully accessible venue capable of serving the varied requirements of Cefn Golau residents for decades.

He added that it would act as a central hub for the estate, fostering community connections, promoting health and wellbeing, encouraging local economic activity and hosting essential services such as a food bank.

Supporting documents submitted to the council indicate that the concept originated a decade ago when the Ironsides clubhouse on Queen Victoria Street shut down. The premises had previously housed Tredegar Ironsides RFC.

This closure meant the Cefn Golau area lost its only substantial venue for community gatherings and activities.

A push then began to establish a replacement community facility, while the rugby club relocated to new premises at The Bush in Tredegar.

Mr Griffiths explained that Cefn Golau Together operates as a charitable incorporated organisation established to implement a building communities trust-funded initiative called Invest Local, which has been active in the area since 2016.

He noted that initially the group concentrated on purchasing and renovating the Ironsides premises, but when that acquisition fell through, attention turned towards finding an appropriate location for a purpose-built centre.

Another round of community engagement followed.

Mr Griffiths continued that the objective was to determine what residents needed and use this information to shape the design specification for the new facility on land that Tai Calon Community Housing transferred to Cefn Golau Together.

He outlined the six principal elements the centre must include:

A versatile main hall capable of hosting indoor functions, sporting activities and celebrations.

A kitchen alongside a small refreshment counter or cafe section.

A private meeting room designed for more sensitive discussions.

A flexible area suitable for after-school sessions, youth groups and craft activities.

Compact office accommodation.

A ruling on the application is anticipated by September 15.