New Aberdare Community Hub Open Its Doors.
The countdown to the long-awaited opening of Cynon Linc in Aberdare is over, the doors of the new inclusive hub opened its doors to the community on October 4th.
Cynon Linc is a vibrant community hub set on Seymour Street in the heart of Aberdare town centre. Redeveloped over the course of just 1 year, the hub includes an impressive kitchen and coffee shop, doctor’s surgery, over 50s advice and information point, mental health support services and a nail clinic. The new facility is managed by Karen Davies with Head Chef Andrew Mason in charge of the catering.
The new hub is also the perfect venue for a host of events, classes, and meetings, it has six rooms to hire including a fully accessible main hall, seating up to 248 attendees. The events programme already announced includes fitness classes for the over 50’s, weekly youth group, community first aid training and a family film afternoon.
The Cynon Linc project was developed by a partnership that included Age Connects Morgannwg, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, Cwm Taff University Health Board, and partners from the third sector and the local community. The vision was to transform the former St. Mair’s Day Centre into a modern and inclusive hub that could serve the whole community.
The project started in August 2018 when Age Connects Morgannwg took over the running of the building ahead of starting major refurbishment work. Construction work started in August 2020 and was completed exactly one year later, the building contractor was M and J Cosgrove Contractors, and the design of the building was provided by Ongl Interior Design.
Rachel Rowlands is the CEO of Age Connects Morgannwg. “I am so impressed with the redevelopment of Cynon linc and the work the whole team has done. Despite the extensive challenges created by the pandemic the project was delivered on time and on budget. The result is a bright, spacious, and welcoming hub that will be a major asset to the whole of the Cynon Valley for many years to come. There is real excitement in the community for the grand opening and we can’t wait to welcome them through the doors.”
Cynon Linc is already the home for several organisations including the new head office of Age Connects Morgannwg, the Hyb kitchen and coffee shop, Maendy Place GP Surgery, Simply Nails and Signposted Cymru, with a soft play facility set to be announced shortly.
Darren Thomas is a Trustee at Signposted Cymru, “we provide immediate and initial intervention for people suffering and struggling with mental health issues. We offer support and guidance through our 5 pillars of well-being. The Cynon Linc building is ideally situated in Aberdare town centre and the facility has the space for us to help the people of South Wales to Acknowledge, Strive, Succeed, that is our Ethos”.
The renovation project was funded by The Welsh Government Integrated Care Fund and several other funding bodies. These included The National Lottery Community Fund, Dunhill Medical Trust and Pen Y Cymoedd.
Councillor Nicole Burnett, Chair of the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Regional Partnership Board said:
“As a Regional Partnership Board, which manages £5m of Integrated Care Fund (ICF) Capital monies across the region, it’s always wonderful to see fantastic ICF funded projects come to life. The hub, which received £1.3M of ICF funding, is a truly impressive, and clearly developed with the heart and soul of the community in mind. We know Cynon Linc will hugely benefit the local community and beyond, and we look forward to seeing people enjoying all the facilities it has to offer.”
The redevelopment of Cynon Linc will be celebrated at an official opening in November which will be attended by Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change
