Brynaman is a village with little economic activity and recognised as a disadvantaged area by Communities First.  The centre was given a grant from the Sustainable Development Fund administered by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority on the behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government to purchase the "Old School" (£28,000) and "Yard" below (£3,500).  The range of activities which the centre will encompass, and the way in which sustainable sources of revenue have been built into this project mark it out from the usual village hall venture, making it particularly innovative and sustainable.  In addition the building itself includes a number of environmentally friendly, energy efficient measures including solar panels, lighting control via occupancy sensors, and the use where possible of natural light and ventilation. The centre has been built around sustainability, which continues as a key theme within the centre.

The Sustainable Development Fund continues to ensure that the centre is brought to its maximum potential, including part funding this open day (£950) to ensure that a record is made of the achievements to date and latterly helping to fund the café for a year (£12,175) while it becomes fully financially sustainable.  The café will endeavor to use locally procured food and use recycling wherever possible.

Sustainability

• Economic : This facility is income generating and the centre will become financially self-sustaining.
• Community : Provides a place where the whole village can socialise, thereby reducing isolation and where tourists can gain information and use the facilities.
• Best Practice : The Centre is an excellent facility and can be used as a shining example of what can be achieved by local groups working together.