A FORMER primary school that has stood empty since its closure in 2015 will now see a new lease of life as a community hub.

A key regeneration project, developed by local community energy charity Awel Aman Tawe, will see the former Ysgol Cwmgors on Heol y Gors turned into a low carbon enterprise centre.

Named Hwb y Gors, the development has already been awarded £400,000 from the National Lottery and £250,000 from the Welsh Government Community Facilities Programme.

Once complete, the building will contain office accommodation, artists' studios, education and community facilities. The centre will be a base for sustainable projects that support local people, organisations and businesses to flourish. Solar panels have been installed on the roof and heat will be provided via a ground source heat pump.

Included in the plans is a youth club in partnership with local charity Canolfan Maerdy, who are hoping to expand their food hub to the centre.

An internet cafe with homework area for young people is also in the pipeline as well as a community electric vehicle car club and charge points.

Mary Ann Brocklesby, chair of trustees said of the funding: “We are delighted by this news. It’s important that the former primary school is retained as a community asset."

Sonia Reynolds, County Councillor for Cwmgors added: “The building has been derelict for a few years now so it’s great that it’s going to be redeveloped with community use at its heart.”

Rebecca Blanche, Funding Officer at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “National Lottery players continue to make an incredible contribution to supporting communities in Wales every time they buy a ticket. It’s fantastic to see National Lottery players enabling people to make an big difference in their communities thanks to projects like this.”