About us
Serving Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon since the 1960s, with £1.7 million invested over six years in the site, organisation and infrastructure.
Who we are
Woodland Road has served the people of Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon since the 1960s. Today it is home to The Hwb Torfaen, a registered charity working to create connected, healthy, resilient and vibrant communities across Torfaen.
Over the last six years, we have secured more than £1.7 million of investment into the site, organisation and infrastructure. We have invested in a new entrance and reception area, a refurbished main hall and stage, a brand-new coffee bar, modern meeting rooms and offices, solar power, environmental adaptations and battery storage, step-free access and a new lift, outstanding outdoor sport for all ages, our FoodShare, community projects and volunteering.
Whether you are here for a club, volunteering, a class, a kickabout, a coffee or a helping hand — there is a place for you at the Hwb.
SO1
Bringing people together through accessible venues, services, activities and partnerships that improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community connection, belonging and resilience.
SO2
Developing a financially, environmentally and operationally sustainable organisation and community facilities, including the community centre and café, that generate income, use resources effectively and continue responding to community needs for the long term.
SO3
Creating meaningful opportunities for people to volunteer, participate, develop skills and confidence, influence decisions and take an active role in their communities.
SO4
Providing accessible opportunities, activities and support that strengthen wellbeing, relationships, confidence, skills and resilience, enabling children, young people and families to thrive.
SO5
Creating opportunities for older people to remain active, connected and involved in community life, reducing loneliness and isolation and supporting wellbeing and independence.
The journey
Woodland Road Community Centre opens to serve Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon, two growing neighbourhoods of the Cwmbran new town.
The Hwb Torfaen takes on a 21-year lease from Torfaen County Borough Council and begins planning the site’s biggest transformation in its history.
Capital programmes refurbish the site and its infrastructure: accessibility, energy performance, new spaces and complete refurbishment in all the main areas of use.
A refreshed identity, a reopened building and a ten-year plan to make Woodland Road the most welcoming community hwb in Torfaen.
Why it matters
The Hwb is a preventative community organisation: a safe, welcoming place that connects people with activities, support and each other. Here is what our users told us in 2026.
describe the Hwb as a safe place, free from judgement
say taking part has increased their confidence
feel more a part of their community and neighbourhood
report better physical health and mental wellbeing
A building for the future
The redevelopment was about more than a fresh coat of paint. The Hwb now generates its own energy and welcomes every visitor on equal terms.
83% of our users say the building is now more environmentally friendly, and 80% find it more accessible and comfortable.
Led by our new chair, Ms Ashleigh Taylor, our diverse board has experience in business, sports, events, education, community and culture.
The Hwb Torfaen is a registered charity (No. 1175585), overseen by a Board of Trustees with day-to-day leadership from CEO Dan Oliver.
Income from hire, the coffee bar and the 3G pitch goes straight back into the building and the charity’s community work.
£1.7 million in grant funding for reinvestment from the Big Lottery, WCVA, Welsh Government, Torfaen County Borough Council, Shared Prosperity Fund, Landfill Communities, Heritage Lottery Fund, Moondance and more.
