Blaencaerau School Site
The Noddfa Youth Development Project worked with the Reach team on a feasibility study to develop options for the usage of the site at Blaencaerau school in Maesteg.
The Noddfa Community Project offers opportunities and services for the community to access provision for children, young people and adults through activities, projects, clubs, workshops, training, informal learning, accredited learning, day and evening activities at the community centre and in the community spaces.
The group applied to the Community Feasibility fund for a feasibility study to assist with their consideration of taking on a community asset transfer (CAT) of the site of the former Blaencaerau Junior School. The school burnt down and the site is currently abandoned. Currently there are few outdoor play and sports facilities in Caerau that are open access and provide the opportunities for children and young people to feel safe, be active, enjoy socialising and have fun together in their community.
The community would like to see the Blaencaerau School site put to good use for the community, with the possibility of a Multi-Use Games Area, an Indoor Sports Barn and outdoor play areas such as table tennis and climbing wall etc.
The Reach team allocated funding to commission a specialist consultant to undertake the feasibility study, which will consult with young people, develop options for the site’s use and development, consider whether the installation of a large shed-type building would be possible, provide costings and information on the potential acquisition of the sire, identify capital funds which may be available to progress to the next phase of the project and present all the information required in a comprehensive report.
Noddfa Youth Development Project
Feasibility consultation update
We’re pleased to announce that our recent consultation regarding the proposed all-weather sports facility at the former Blaencaerau School site was highly successful!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the windy December Sunday at the BMX Club, and all of those that took the time to provide valuable feedback. Your input is essential in helping us shape the future of these community spaces and will play a key role in creating a compelling case for why this project is needed.
Next Steps
We are currently analysing the feedback received from the consultation to ensure every voice is heard.
This information is being used to inform a detailed feasibility study, which will help us strengthen our case for funding applications when they become available. We aim to have the feasibility study finalised in the coming months.
A summary sheet from the consultation is available below.
Thank you once again for being part of this important process. Together, we are working to create spaces for children, young people, and families across Caerau to enjoy year-round recreational opportunities.
All-weather sports facility
An all-weather sports facility on the former Blaencaerau School site would offer a year-round, sheltered space for sports and activities. We envision:
- A sheltered and enclosed sports barn
- Outdoor MUGA (multi use games area)
- Permanent outdoor games (eg. Table tennis tables, basketball hoops, climbing wall etc)
This project aims to address the lack of covered recreational space in Caerau, providing young people with safe, accessible areas for play and physical activity during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these projects needed?
We believe Caerau can benefit from improved recreational facilities that provide safe, accessible spaces for physical activity and social engagement. These projects aim to address identified gaps in community resources and meet growing demand for versatile sports and activity spaces.
Is funding already secured?
While funding has not yet been secured, we’re building a strong case for these projects so we can pursue funding opportunities as they arise.
How can I stay updated on project progress?
We will provide updates on this page, including announcements on project milestones and funding developments.
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