Every project presents an opportunity to enhance a physical space, while creating lasting social value. Nowhere is this more evident than in our work with the Archdiocese of Cardiff and St Illtyd’s Roman Catholic Church in Dowlais, South Wales.
Supported by charitable funders such as the National Churches Trust and CADW, we are proud to be leading the restoration of this Grade II church and community centre so it can continue serving its community for the next 100 years.
Safeguarding Heritage with a Sustainable Twist
The restoration includes replacing the church’s natural slate roof with in-line photovoltaic (PV) slates. These innovative slates help decarbonise the site and support the church’s renewable energy needs, without affecting its architectural heritage.
Crucially though, the project extends beyond energy solutions to include meaningful engagement that gives the local community a sense of ownership over this heritage asset.
We invited pupils and teachers from the nearby primary school to write messages on the underside of the new slates, while parishioners and clergy dedicated slates in memory of loved ones. This simple yet profound act creates a time capsule for future generations, and an emotional and social bond with the church that extends beyond the physical structure.
Promoting Biodiversity and Environmental Education
To increase biodiversity and help build a more resilient environment, the community is also helping to plant wildflower meadows, create bug hotels, and install bat boxes and bat-friendly roof vents. Involving local school children in these initiatives helps to instil a sense of environmental stewardship, equipping future generations with the knowledge and passion to continue the work of preserving both heritage and nature.
Local volunteers have also played a key role in restoring the church grounds, clearing fly tipping with support from the local authority. By taking ownership of their spaces, working together, and contributing to the success of a project, the project helps to create lasting social connections.
Maximising Social Value Through ESG
At Revive, our focus is always on maximising the social, environmental, and economic value of every project. Whether it’s restoring a historic building, reducing carbon emissions, or engaging local communities, we are committed to creating long-term benefits that align with our clients’ ESG goals.
Social value doesn’t always require large budgets; it’s about adopting a mindset of shared benefits, where the success of the project is measured not just in financial terms, but in the positive impact it has on the community and the environment.
This project at St Illtyd’s Church is a perfect example of how conservation, sustainability, and community engagement can come together to create lasting social value, while safeguarding both the environment and a beloved local heritage asset.