Penarth Community Network

This text is currently displayed in Raw Format and may be incomplete and errored. However, the project itself is in active development.

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The Penarth Community Hub Project

(a.k.a. The Penarth Community Nexus - A Hub for the Community of Penarth [Town & Its Surrounds])

 

What is the Penarth Community Hub Project?

Imagine one of these locations as a vibrant, active location that serves the needs of Community of Penarth Town (and Its Surrounds) in a way that is missing/can be improved upon…

 

[pictures of local empty premises (plus a few that ‘aren’t’) that have been mocked up to look like the hub with concept signage etc – including Barclays Bank, Nat West Bank, the Old Post Office, The Old TA Place (woodland place), The Gym on Windsor Rd, The Cash Generator and more…)

 

The Penarth Community Hub is being designed to be a mixed-use location, containing various community-run aspects & assets that would greatly benefit the local area and its residents.

 

This is a Community-Collaborative project being led by @Gwyrddio Penarth Greening CIO & @Benthyg Cymru CIC, along with their own locally collaborated project which they parent, @Benthyg Penarth. @Repair Café Wales and its local branch, @Repair Café Penarth are also involved, and the @Penarth Community Network project, @Penarth Civic Society and several other local community @[C.O.G.S.] are supporting the project as well.

 

This is also a project that is attached to the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Penarth Placemaking Plan (as part of the Welsh Government’s @Wales Placemaking Charter. You can find the project listed on Page 49 of the @published plan [58mbPDF] as “A New Home for Benthyg Penarth”.

 

The primary aim of the hub is to find the Benthyg Penarth Library of Things project a new location. For the past 4 out of its 5 years of operating within the town, this has been located at The Garage @ The Kymin, and while this has been very beneficial for it (with borrowing numbers & generated income proving it to be a popular success (making it overall one of the most successful LoTs within the @Benthyg Cymru Network), the project itself has been running into a number of issues that have affected the way it can operate. The aim to move to a new location that can better serve its needs, and ambitions to improve itself, is what this project is mainly being developed for.

 

[Side Box]

The issues Benthyg Penarth faces include:

• The garage is open to the elements all year round, which can affect opening and operating there when wet/cold/overly hot & sunny.

• The garage is not heated, meaning it is prone to damp, this can lead to mould problems affecting certain items, so several types are not able to be stored there for borrowing, such as kitchenware, tents and other things that have a hygiene aspect.

• The location, while popularly visited, is a bit remote from the town – Benthyg Cymru’s original tag line was ‘Making Borrowing as easy as popping out for a loaf of bread’. When BP started off in Rowley’s The Jewellers in Glebe St, this was certainly more apt (especially as Bruton’s was only a few doors up!). It has also slightly increased the carbon footprint of those coming to visit it, as they often drive down there.

• There is limited space to store the number of items they want to have available to borrow.]

 

[Side Box 2]

The Most Positive Sides of the Location though is that it has been a great boost to the project (with numbers of borrows in the first 3 months down there exceeding those of the first year at Rowleys…). Not only that but the general footfall through the Kymin of visitors, has helped make it a social place, where people would stop to chat, not just to find out more about the project, but also to chat with Dan, the Project Officer about many of the other happenings within the town, like events, projects, council actions and more… It was because of these types of interactions and conversations that Dan has built The Network project off the back of.]

 

[Main]

The intention of the PCH is to not just be BP LoT, but also to include several other elements that can help improve the way our community is served. For this, the project developers are looking at a model of operation that appeared within the Benthyg Cymru Network not long after BP was opened ([possible side box] it was the first in the official Network, and since then over 40 have appeared, each with a variation in how they are run…)] which is known as the Re:Make[@Newport] project.

 

Re:Make locations (of which there are now 3, Newport, Monmouth & [location]) are different to the regular LoT model in that they also serve as a community hub, and are a collaborative project with Repair Café Wales, with drop-in repair stations available for repair volunteers to come and spend some time at for fixing local repairs.

 

Re:Make Newport’s premises in Skinner St, is what the PCH project is using as a template for designing something similar, with Repair Café Wales assisting with their experiences for these projects, & Repair Café Penarth looking at ways that it can be run to compliment & supplement their existing monthly Repair Café ([@RCP Facebook Events] 4th Sunday of every month, except August & December, 2-430pm at St Augustine’s Parish Hall, Albert Rd).

 

While these two elements being the primary focus to establish the hub, there are several other options being considered as well, including:

 

1. Community [C.O.G.S.] News & Information Services Information Point

   1. A physical version of The Penarth Community Network with the two integrated and in parallel support for each other.

   2. This would help promote out local community [C.O.G.S.] themselves, as well as local events, activities they are hosting, and projects & initiatives they are promoting.

2. A Tourist Information centre

   1. This is something the town no longer has an official one of, though some options are available at other locations, but not in a way other local TIs provide.

3. Community-Collector Schemes drop-off point

   1. Several locally operating charities/groups etc. often run a scheme whereby they collect items for their cause – examples include: Tools with a Mission @tools for impoverished workers abroad, Rotary Club of Barry & District @plastic sweet tubs & [currently] @Easter Eggs for local children.

4. A Drop-in warm space for socialising

   1. Comfy chairs and a coffee machine, a place to ‘hang-out and socialise with local community types.

5. A meeting room (formal & informal)

   1. As the drop-in but with a bit more formality.

6. Vale of Glamorgan Council &? Penarth Town Council Services Information Point

   1. This would compliment the one at Penarth Library (possibly helping to provide aspects that that location is unable to…?).

   2. It can also provide a platform where the VoGC &/ PTC can connect to the community when they want to promote out their own projects, initiatives, surveys, consultations etc. (A great way to help them boost their communication abilities).

7. Co-ordination-point for a Benthyg VoG & Cardiff Courier Service

   1. The courier services that have been associated with BP LoT (and those of Cardiff) have had their own issues for operating (and are currently not), but an additional plan to create a semi-autonomous support service for these local LoTs, which would generate its own income from providing the delivery & collection services for them, and would be run by its own coordinator.

   2. The Hub would be its ‘head-office’.

   3. This would also require separate grant funding and development (and Coordinator), and might need the Hub project in place to better manage & support its operations.

8. PAT Testing Services (Domestic)

   1. Both BP & RCW require all electrical PAT Tested before being cleared for use. This service could be extended for people looking to ensure their equipment is in good working order, especially if they are looking to donate it to a charity shop etc. that might not have this service available.

   2. Charity shops can also request this service for items they’ve had donated (though we would encourage people to come here first to save them the task).

   3. A small fee per item would be charged.

9. Community Gift Shop

   1. Not like a traditional charity shop (though some 2nd hand items might be sold through fundraiser events) but a place where community groups etc. can raise some additional money from group related / crafted merchandise.

10. Lost & Found

 

Several of these ideas are listed as ‘considered’ but not absolute. Other ideas that the hub could support &/ include in some way include: Starting point for the local @Penarth Town Heritage Trails & @Original Town Trails Revised projects, Town Museum (although a separate premises would be ideal), Town Crier base,

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Of course, the inclusion of some, if not all of the above will depend on the size and adaptability of the premises available to become the location.

 

And this is where the project itself is hitting a bit of a snag…

 

The Problem

To put it basically -

 

In order to get funding for the project (that is, apply for grants) it needs somewhere it can go, so the costs of doing so are known and can be included in the grant applications.

HOWEVER

In order to be able to find somewhere the project can put in an offer for &/secure it needs the funds to show that it would be able to do so… (and before the opportunity is too late and someone else has put in an offer for a desired location!).

 

The other problem as well is being able to get hold of any landlords who are interested in helping by leasing one of their many empty premises that are noticeable around the town, or giving the project the opportunity over a more commercial (and therefore ‘better’) option that comes their way.

 

So this is where things are stalling at the moment.

 

[Side Box 3?]

There are several noticeable empty premises around the town, many of which The Community look at with dissatisfaction that this is the case, and want something there to fill those spaces – but not just another Charity Shop or Coffee Shop, but something new & exciting that really shows those who have a part in this town care for it and its community…

 

The project has already been experiencing these problems, and while the various members of the organisations involved are busy trying to overcome them, they are facing many barriers in doing so.

 

The Placemaking Element

Back in 2020/21 – @Placemaking was introduced to Wales by the Welsh Government. c2022/2023 The Vale of Glamorgan Council started looking into their involvement with it for their four major towns; Cowbridge, Llantwit Major, Barry & then Penarth. When they reached Penarth, their Placemaking Team spent several months in discussions and consultations with various parts of the local community, from businesses, community groups & organisations, churches, schools and more… to find out what community-led projects and initiatives should be Placemaking-backed & supported (and possibly funded).

 

In June of 2025, the @Penarth Placemaking Plan was published. Within it were 24 projects proposed for the local town, ranging from planting more trees to redeveloping key areas and infrastructure to better suit the needs of the community, improving the local environment (and addressing environmental concerns of these modern times) and also helping to revive the community attitudes and spirit with projects, activities, actions and events that would engage residents and visitors alike in positive ways (follow link above to read more about the proposed ideas and Placemaking overall).

 

These projects were split into three categories:

• Short Term (a.k.a. Quick Wins) – These projects would be easy to implement, and shouldn’t cost that much money to do so. They were also mostly centred around enhancing & supporting already existing [community-led] projects & activities. These would take 1-2yrs to ‘complete’.

• Medium Term – These would take 2-7years to ‘complete’ and focuses on more robust & involved projects, and changes to the town. The Hub project is one of these.

• Long Term – These would need to have a longer period of development and investment, and involve some major changes to the town and the way it operates. The benefits however would be significantly more positive for the town and its community as a result.

 

The Placemaking plan is not limited to those projects published within it, and is designed to be a living document, adding new projects and possibilities that it could look to support as things progress. You can read more about these other possible projects here [@PCN/Local-Projects]

 

Because the PCH project is now included in the Penarth Placemaking Plan, this is helping it to get some support from the VoGC to be able to pursue it. Already they have helped connect the Project Development Team with a Pop-Up Shops Team, and have been offering advice and information on possible grants and other options to help develop the project.

 

Grant Funding

The initial grant funding to be applied for would look to cover the initial setup of and operational running costs for at least 1 year. This includes fitting out the premises, covering rent, amenities and other requirements, and also pay for at least 1 staff member to oversee the running of the location.

 

(Possibly in tandem with the Benthyg Penarth Project Officer as the BP LoT would also require separate operational management for its services as well. BP also has an Inventory Officer, who is responsible for managing stock and making repairs. This could possibly also be integrated into the Repair Café aspect, as this would then help develop the tools and equipment needed for repairing both LoT and café drop-in items, and also the vetting, testing and repairing (if needed) of any incoming tools & equipment for the LoT or another associated project; such as TWAM).

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The Location

The intention is for the location to be as close to the centre of Penarth Town as possible, preferably with nearby parking options, (either on-site or nearby - though encouragement, where possible, for people to visit using other methods of transport).

 

The size of the premises needs to have a decent ‘shop-floor’ space to include as much of the desired elements as possible, and as much storage space as possible (an example of this is the old Cash Generator on Albert Rd – which was explored in Jan 2026, but sadly claimed by another offer. This is about the size of Re:Make Newport for its shop-floor, with ample storage space behind for LoT and other items).

 

Should a small premises be the compromise, then the primary aim is for Benthyg Penarth to be relocated. Anything else would then be considered in regards to remaining available space.

 

[Side Box 4]

Other locations that could possibly be ideal (not all have been explored… or [sadly] may be available):

Former Barclays Bank – Windsor Rd

Former Nat West Bank – Plymouth Rd

The old Post Office – Albert Rd

The [name] Gym – Windsor Rd

The old Salvation Amry/Army Cadets/TA place on Woodland Place (smaller but would be a start…)

Old Penarth Docks Station building – Cogan (quite out of town, but parking…)

Other smaller, empty shops being considered.

 

[Main]

The Project Timescale

We currently cannot put a timescale on the development stage, as all of the above factors are having an effect on doing so. However, there is an ambition to complete this before the end of July 2026, as Benthyg Penarth’s current National Lottery Grant Funding ends then.

 

Running the Hub

The aim is to have the hub open at least 6 days a week, staffed by both paid coordinators and volunteers. The hub would look to generate as much income as possible towards supporting itself, with from contributions for this being made through elements such as:

• Borrowing Fees for LoT items

• Donations for Repair Café Repairs

• General Donations of Support to the Hub

• Community Gift Shop Items

• Tourist Information items (e.g. Tourist guides)

• Fundraisers

• Additional Grants

• Other possible sources…

 

Note, how much each element would contribute towards the operational costs TBD and negotiated, as some income would still be retained by that element as well. Flexibility where possible, and additional Grant Funding would also be sought. The Benthyg Courier Service may also be exempt from this initially while it uses its generated income for its own support & development.

 

Six/Seven Days of Operation…

Opening the Hub 6-7 days a week would have a huge advantage as it would allow things such as:

• Shorter LoT Borrowing Periods – if items are not needed for a whole week and can be returned earlier, then more people can borrow them (which would lead to an increase in both borrowing numbers and generated income).

• More access to RCP Repairers – Repair Café volunteers can now be more flexible with their time. The hub would look to provide them with access to tools & equipment and repair space they may not have to help assist them with their repairs (note the Monthly Repair Café would continue, as The Hub would look to ensure this isn’t ‘over-shadowed’.)

•  Community, Tourist & Council Information Services would be more readily accessible, allowing information and the communication of to flow more easily throughout The Community.

• The Hub can operate all-year-round, without the effects of weather (only closing around Christmas, and possibly ‘closing’ if attending a major town event such as the Penarth Summer Festival… though depending on location, might also be able to attend by being open!).

• The hub would be able to maximise its operations, and therefore its generated income to help towards sustaining itself (and possibly even generating funds to help support other projects & initiatives).

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STAFFING & VOLUNTEERS

As mentioned above, the staffing of the hub needs to be a mixture of paid staff and volunteers.

 

Paid Staff

Hub Coordinator: The hub itself would need a project supervisor/coordinator to oversee the general operations and management of the hub, covering things like ensuring the amenities are looked after, overseeing the general operations of the installed elements, coordinating volunteers etc. This would however be a part-time position, as it would run in tandem with the BPPO. This role would be funded through a grant for the Hub.

 

Benthyg Penarth Project Officer: This role would continue as current. A separate person for this is required as the BP-LoT has its own separate & specialised operational needs to be coordinated, so would need someone to specifically oversee them. The BPPO and HC would however both be cross-trained in the general elements, ensuring they can cover each other as necessary. The BPPO would also be part time (alternating shifts with the HC across a week), and would be funded by BP-LoT Grant Funding & Income Generation.

 

BP Inventory Officer/Hub Inventory Officer/Repair Café Coordinator: This BPIO is a current role to help manage and maintaining the BP-LoT equipment, ensuring that things are in good working order and available for borrowing. A continuation of this role would be necessary to ensure that there is consistency for this to happen (as opposed to relying on ad-hoc volunteers from a pool like that of the Repair Café). This role however could be expanded to cover overseeing The Hub’s Repair Café aspect, specifically in regards to helping to generate (and subsequently maintain) an onsite workshop & toolkits that can be used for both Repair Café Volunteers, and to help maintain LoT equipment. Funding sources for this role would need to be considered

 

Benthyg VoG & ‘Diff Courier Service Coordinator: Technically an independent role, but using the hub as the operational coordination point. The BV&DCS-C would oversee the management of the local LoT Courier Service (which will also look to act as a support service in other ways), including how it assists each local LoT and how it generates income from doing so. The source funding for this role would have to be separate, found through Benthyg Cymru.

 

Other Support Staff

It may be that the hub will also be supported by other paid individuals from various organisations & local authorities, though these would not necessarily be paid through the Hub’s funding itself. These would/could include:

 

• Benthyg Cymru Directors & Operators

• Repair Café Wales Directors & Operators

• VoGC Placemaking Dept.

• VoGC Tourism Dept.

• VoGC Libraries & Cultural Services Dept.

• VoGC other Depts

• Other…?

 

What involvement, direct or indirect in the operations of The Hub would be discovered and implemented if, as & when needed.

 

Volunteers

The hub would need two types of volunteers, General & Specialist.

 

Specialist Volunteers

These are volunteers who would require specific skills (and possibly coverage for using them).

 

This mainly refers to those for the Repair Café, where particular skills, competencies and abilities would be needed, and they would have to be registered with Repair Café Wales and be covered by their insurance as well.

 

Other Specialist Volunteering Roles could include:

• Social Media content generators,

• Targeted PR & Community Ambassadors,

• Benthyg Penarth LoT system management (more than just for the purposes of checking out & in loans),

• PAT Testing Service providers (for RC, BP & as a local service – must be certified)

• Other…?

 

General Volunteering

• Staffing The Hub counter as Greeter & Information Services Point (and selling Gift Shop items etc…)

• Operating the LoT’s loan check-out & check-in system for BP & the BV&DCS

• Co-ordinating the Repair Café drop-ins & schedules

• Handling £Donations for RC, BP & other & Item Donations for BP.

• Helping to coordinate Community-Collector schemes (e.g tools for TWAM, Rotary Club tubs etc).

• Assisting with general Hub maintaining tasks (e.g. keeping it tidy, stocking shelves & storage areas)

• Stewarding for at-location events

• And more…

 

Other Paid or Volunteering Ad-Hoc Roles

These would be both internal & externally ‘hired’ persons to perform specific tasks & functions for community-based activities &/ events.

• Training Workshops Instructors (How too…)

• Event Stewarding (external locations)

• Project Developers & Coordinators (both PCH, PCN & other involved…)

• Town leaflet distributers / Town ‘criers’

 

Developer Notes: The Page is currently being developed with more information & editing to follow

Timeline: Active updates as project details change.