Former Pithead Baths Options Appraisal

Client: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

The Pithead Baths for the former Llanhilleth Colliery are located on the periphery of Llanhilleth in Blaenau Gwent’s lower Ebbw Fach valley. On behalf of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, we carried out a ‘Future Options Study’ on the former Pithead Baths site in Llanhilleth, Blaenau Gwent. For this commission, we worked alongside a specialist quantity surveyor (Mildred Howells) and specialist residential surveyors (Rawlins and Madley). We were tasked with exploring and evaluating the long-term viability of several project proposals put forward by the Council for the Pithead Baths, as follows: an outdoor activity centre, a brewery with a bar and music venue, and residential development.  We also identified and evaluated a fourth mixed-use development option.

The study incorporated the following elements: an analysis of the current and anticipated economic conditions in Blaenau Gwent / South East Wales; extensive stakeholder consultation and primary research among the local community; identifying the degree of alignment of the options to current / emerging market trends in housing, leisure and business sectors; ensuring that the current regeneration activities/strategies/action plans within Blaenau Gwent were taken into account; and assessing the financial viability. We evaluated the options and recommended a preferred way forward, supported by evidence.

How can we help?
If you have any questions about carrying out a heritage options appraisal or would like to discuss our work please don’t hesitate to call Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk