The best should always be kept to last and in the case of the Furnace complex we on the YCG believe that for us, the community, the most exciting part.

The best should always be kept to last and in the case of the Furnace complex we on the YCG believe that for us, the community, the most exciting part of our proposal is the regeneration of the Charcoal Store. This cathedral like building deserves to be seen and its power felt by not only those who live near to it but to a wider audience. To this end we propose using this inspiring space as a community resource; for meetings, gatherings, exhibitions, workshops, provision of educational activities for young and old alike. Within our small community we have identified a myriad of people with diverse skills and knowledge, these skills and knowledge should be passed on and shared. The one thing that has always lacked has been an appropriate central point, a nexus, which draws us together, holds and inspires us and allows us to utilise and embrace the talents and diversity of the whole community. A place where young can meet old, new can meet established and the spark that every community needs can be fanned and nurtured. The Charcoal Store is the ideal venue for such a venture.

The drawing below gives an idea of the possible changes and uses proposed for the Charcoal Store

Toilets and refreshment annexEntrance

It is proposed that the Charcoal store would become a premier community resource, available to the whole community, local and further afield, as an educational, recreational and exhibition space. The transformation would require no changes to the fabric of the building itself, in fact the YCG was adamant that the main emphasis of our efforts should be in the first instance to ensure that neither the fabric of the Charcoal store nor the Furnace itself should be compromised in any way. With this in mind it is proposed that a mezzanine floor be constructed within the store itself. This floor would be glass fronted, so as to minimise any feeling of separation from the main body of the building and to ensure that natural light can flood into and out of the mezzanine. The addition of the mezzanine would give the store a usable space for smaller scale gatherings, exhibitions, recitals and educational workshops, it would be easier to heat and to illuminate than the main building and we believe enhance rather than detract the feeling of space and freedom which the existing building conveys. The Mezzanine should be 'free-standing' and not built into the walls, If however, there is a need for some form of restraint to arrest lateral movement,, any fixings would be made into the joints of the masonry and not into the stone itself. If for some reason in the future the floor is removed the affected joints can simply be made good with lime mortar to match the existing finish. Similarly, any footings that maybe required could sit on the floor as opposed to within excavations. This approach ensures that we neither add nor take away from the fabric of the store, and any changes are completely reversible, but we certainly enhance the possibilities which the store affords us. In addition any underground footings would be designed to avoid damage to any underlying archaeology. We believe that it is essential to carry out an archaeological dig within and without the Charcoal Store before any work begins.

The main body of the Charcoal Store itself requires relatively little work to bring it into community use. The doors and windows would require sympathetic restoration, keeping totally to period design and fabrication. Any loose stones and/or unsafe materials inside the Store would need to be made good. The floor itself would be enhanced with an insulated limecrete flooring, under-floor heating and a glaster screed, prior to a wooden floor cover. The YCG understands that we have a bat roost within the furnace building, the hope is that we could encourage them to move in to the barn. With this in mind we propose that we would have to provide a 'loft' space for them, complete with heaters, hanging-battens and the like. This would offer them a better place to live and thrive. It has been suggested that we take up one of the truss bays, right up under the slates, and build a suspended structure which would be insulated against cold and noise and will be light-proof. Consequently, any activities going on below wouldn't disturb them.

The unanimous opinion of the YCG was that the Charcoal Store was ideal as a community space, with this in mind it was agreed that the addition of toilets and a refreshment area was essential, mindful of the need to preserve the Charcoal Store as an unaltered entity, it was decided that new build facilities were required, the proposed site of these facilities, exterior to the main body of the Charcoal Store have been indicated on the sketch of the Charcoal Store attached to this proposal. It is essential that any new build should enhance the Charcoal Store, with this in mind a low impact, sustainable, carbon neutral toilet and refreshment structure is proposed. The latest composting toilet technologies would be included, negating the need for large drainage and sewage facilities, rainwater harvesting and solar powered technologies would be essential. This new build would be totally separate from the main body of the building, joined only by a covered walkway between the Charcoal Store and the new construction. Local designers, materials and labour would be utilised where possible. Funding streams have been identified, we are lucky enough to have on the YCG an individual who works for WAG; in the funding office and he has already pointed out all the likely funding sources, in addition a major new wind farm is proposed for the local area, massive community benefits will accrue if and when this project gets the green light, perfect timing for our proposal!

The YCG are mindful that CADW has a responsibility to the people of Wales and for the people of Wales ‘to keep’ the historic environment of Wales safe and secure for future generations, however we believe that our exciting proposal not only ensures that our sleeping beauty and its fabric is fully protected and sustained for the future but we are encouraging community engagement in the life of the Furnace complex, improving access to the Furnace complex, while at the same time providing much needed employment, enjoyment and above all a newly discovered respect for the power and inspiration surrounding Ysgubor Y Coed’s own, jewel in the crown.