A former miner’s institute, turned hotel, that resides in the stunning Afan Valley, is currently working hard to safeguard its future after receiving significant investment from Pen y Cymoedd.
While the prospects of the iconic Afan Lodge remain uncertain, investors and the management team at the venue are determined to unleash its full potential and venture into a new phase of its journey.
The Afan Lodge in Duffryn Rhondda was purchased by the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund in 2019 to save it from permanent closure. Since then, the Fund has invested in the hotel to modernise the bedrooms, lounge, and dining areas, while also securing 32 jobs for the staff and providing a contemporary facility for the local community.
However, since securing the investment from Pen y Cymoedd, the hotel has experienced an extremely challenging period. The pandemic coupled with the subsequent cost-of-living crisis, has created significant obstacles to its long-term security.
Martin Veale, Chair of Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund said: “We bought Afan Lodge because we wanted to help protect and restore a local facility that was well-loved and valued by the community. Since taking over, we have been fully committed to helping to secure its future. “Not only have we maintained jobs for members of the local community, but we have also invested in renovation and refurbishment work to improve the facilities. Despite existing challenges facing the hotel facilities, we are supporting the team at the lodge to help develop a long-term strategic plan to safeguard its future. The Afan Lodge is an extremely valuable community asset and with the continued support from the local community, we are committed to trying to make the venue the vibrant success, we all want it to be.”
The recruitment of a new general manager, whose background is in tourism, presents a new and exciting opportunity for the hotel as he looks to diversify and grow the venues future avenues. Simon Bevan, manager said, “As a long-standing employer in the community and its deep-rooted history, we are fully committed to unleashing its potential, expanding its offering, and making positive changes for the future benefit of the business, local community and the Afan Lodge but hospitality faces many challenges and we have taken decision to close on our two quietest days each week, as a temporary cost-saving measure.
“However, thanks to the continued support of our loyal customers and staff, we are open as usual from Wednesday – Sunday for overnight stays, food, drinks, and entertainment and as a community facility. Whilst our ambition is for Afan Lodge to continue fulfilling its goals of being a community hub, an employer and contributing to the local economy and supply chain, we need to do so whilst ensuring that we remain sustainable for the long-term future.”
The Afan Lodge is set in a stunning natural environment setting and provides a fantastic facility for not only local, but the wider community, while also attracting tourists to the area. In addition to the modern bedroom facilities for overnight guests, the restaurant is growing in popularity and the conference facilities are regularly used by local businesses and community groups. For more information on the Afan Lodge and its investment journey visit https://penycymoeddcic.cymru/pen-y-cymoedd-investments/