Nine community buildings across Ceredigion are on a path to lower running costs and improve energy efficiency thanks to a project funded by the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Severn Wye in partnership with Ceredigion County Council and the Ceredigion Association of Voluntary Services (CAVO).
Allison Cawley, Severn Wye’s Director of Energy Services, said: “The project funding recognises the value of keeping these buildings in good condition and fit for the future so they can continue to serve their residents, who may face rural isolation, poor access to services and transport, and little local employment. By improving these vital buildings to be as energy efficient as possible and affordable to run, community groups have the best chance to keep their village halls thriving and well-used.”
Rising energy costs continue to hit the limited resources of the local groups and charities that look after community buildings in their towns and villages – buildings that were often constructed decades ago, with poor insulation, aging heating systems, and limited budgets for improvement. Recent analysis* of data from the Charity Commission for England and Wales shows that just 118 of the 737 charities operating community centres and village halls in Wales report an annual income of more than £50,000.
Working closely with each group, Severn Wye assessors completed detailed surveys covering the building fabric, heating, lighting, occupant behaviour, and potential for renewable generation. Each group received a tailored report outlining no-cost, low-cost, and capital investment measures, prioritising a ‘fabric first’ approach. The Severn Wye project mentor talked through the findings with each group to explain their recommendations and answer any questions so that the next steps could be agreed. A follow-up report then set out each group’s priority actions.
Teleri Davis from CAVO commented: “These public spaces are a vital community resource, hosting food banks, mental health support groups, youth sessions, health and fitness classes, Welsh-language events and warm spaces for older residents who might otherwise have nowhere to go. Once the surveys and recommendations were completed, we were able to support community trustees to navigate funding applications and governance requirements that would have been difficult to manage alone.”
Ceredigion County Council cabinet member councillor Clive Davies said: “Community halls help breathe life and connection into rural isolated communities, where there may be few other places to meet, learn new skills, enjoy hobbies and activities. By making the buildings as energy efficient as possible, we’re helping to bring down operating costs and reducing carbon emissions – a win, win.”
The nine groups supported ranged from Ceredigion’s oldest village hall, the Jubilee Hall in Llangeitho, built in 1897 for the local Eisteddfod, to Aber Food Surplus on Aberystwyth High Street, a not-for-profit community pantry that has been collecting surplus food for nine years. Between them, the buildings identified potential savings of more than £15,300 a year, with combined carbon reductions of around 20 tonnes per year.
One of the standout stories came from Llwyncelyn and District Memorial Hall, a community hub between Aberystwyth and Cardigan that has kept its hire charges unchanged since 2003 to remain accessible to local groups. Following the energy assessment, the committee secured a £20,000 National Lottery Awards for All grant to install insulation, replace a 23-year-old oil boiler, and add solar panels, while preparing for a future hybrid heat pump system. The assessment gave the committee the evidence base and confidence to make a compelling funding bid.
CAVO played an essential supporting role throughout, in partnership with Severn Wye, to bring valuable local knowledge of the third sector to discussions and by helping community trustees navigate their way through the funding opportunities. Severn Wye’s project manager created a funding matrix guide covering capital and revenue routes, secured and unsecured finance options, and match-funding opportunities, equipping each group with the tools to continue progressing independently.
CAVO has confirmed active engagement with all nine groups and will continue to support eight of them with funding applications, governance support, and links to organisations including the National Lottery Community Fund.
Allison Cawley added: “Keeping these important public spaces open to all, and affordable to run, is vital for these buildings to have a sustainable future. Each of the community groups supported by this project came away with a significantly improved understanding of their energy use and the renewable options available to them. And for many, this knowledge is already being shared with hall users, volunteers, and the wider communities they serve.”
You can read the full project report and watch the case study film to hear directly from some of the community groups involved.
Learn more
You can read the full project report and explore the individual community building case studies by downloading the report below.
You can also watch the case study film to hear directly from Bleddyn at the Llwyncelyn and District Memorial Hall.
The BEECCB2 project was funded through the Cynnal y Cardi Business Capital Grant, provided via the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, and delivered by Ceredigion County Council with Severn Wye Energy Agency as lead partner and CAVO in a supporting role. The project concluded on 28 February 2026.
