Posted on: Friday 4 April 2025
A community interest company hoping to attract new visitors to Blaenavon will shortly open its doors in one of the town's oldest buildings.
It comes after work to renovate the property as part of a £1.9m Blaenavon Townscape Heritage Programme which aimed to preserve the town centre's heritage.
Five derelict buildings in total have been brought back into use as commercial, residential or community facilities, thanks to the investment, including two other buildings on Broad Street, Bethlehem Chapel, a premises on Market Street.
BB - Sustainable Tourism CIC is a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to amplify tourism in the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons National Park, and they’re thrilled to announce the opening of their second retail hub in the renovated former Blaenavon Market Tavern this month.
Helen Howarth, Founder and Executive Director of BB Sustainable Tourism CIC, expressed her excitement: “Our team is passionate about harnessing the power of tourism to uplift the local economy, enrich the lives of residents, and cherish our natural environment.
“We see Blaenavon as the perfect gateway to the breathtaking Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons National Park, a welcoming starting point for the journeys of countless visitors. Our aim is to extend a heartfelt warm welcome, ‘croeso cynnes’ to everyone who steps through our doors.”
“Our Community Interest Company is dedicated to creating a circular economy that empowers local businesses to thrive year-round and regenerate as a united community. Recognising the fragility of both our ecosystem and local economy, we are committed to fostering a robust network of interconnected businesses. By strengthening these ties, we can achieve resilience and accomplish great things together.”
Through their retail, online, and wholesale channels, the new hub will feature a vibrant collection of local and eco-conscious gifts, sustainable living products, and essential supplies for businesses.
The company will also be welcoming tourists to a holiday apartment to encourage visitors to stay and explore the local region. Every purchase and every booking made will contribute to their inspiring mission named “Profit For Purpose”.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills & Regeneration, said: “It was lovely meeting Helen and her fellow Director Arianwen, they are keen to work with local businesses to attract visitors to the area and showcase what Blaenavon has on offer.
“They are passionate about the environment and sustainability so they will fit in well.
“When I was visiting the shop, a few locals popped their heads in to ask about the business, and to wish them luck – it’s was lovely.
“They have lots of plans and passion, and I’m excited to follow their progress.”
Cllr Gareth Davies said: “As Chair of the Townscape Heritage Programme I've been happy to contribute to the evaluation of the project, taking lessons on what has worked well and what could be improved is a vital step in designing future funding bids and programmes, so I'm pleased to encourage residents and stakeholders to provide their thoughts to the evaluation by filling in the online survey.”
The Blaenavon Townscape Heritage Progamme (THP) started in 2018 and has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Torfaen Council, Blaenavon Town Council, Cadw and private sector applicants.
As part of the THP programme, 10 community projects have also been carried out, including the creation of a tapestry charting Blaenavon’s Broad Street history, which was later turned into a new digital and audio exhibition which can be viewed at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre.
A “Hidden Histories of Blaenavon” film was also produced exploring and celebrating key and lesser-known figures who helped to shape Blaenavon town during the Victorian period, and Mynavon, a Youtube video was created by young people and supported by Blaenavon Male Voice Choir.
Find out more about Blaenavon and the Townscape Heritage Programme
Find out more about BB Sustainable Tourism