Sports project moves forward due to energy company involvement

A new, inclusive sports facility in Newtown is closer to reality thanks to the support of Bute Energy and environmental consultants RSK.

Drenewydd Actif Newtown (DAN) has been working on this project since 2019, but faced delays due to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and funding shortages. Bute Energy, as part of its Social Value Standard, partnered with RSK to provide crucial land and environmental surveys that moved the project forward.

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DAN had previously raised over £12,000, with an additional £64,000 in in-kind contributions.

The new facility will feature updated changing rooms, a gym, and a flexible indoor space, serving local sports clubs and offering training opportunities for disadvantaged youth. RSK's involvement accelerated the planning process, and DAN is now seeking major funding, potentially unlocking over £1 million for the project.

A new state-of-the-art sports facility is one step closer to becoming a reality in Newtown, thanks to the support of Bute Energy and environmental consultants RSK.

Drenewydd Actif Newtown (DAN) has been working towards building a new, inclusive centre to support local sports clubs and community wellbeing, and this support has been crucial in moving the project forward. 

Bute Energy, a renewable energy developer working in the area, connected with DAN as part of its industry-leading Social Value Standard, which ensures 2% of project contracts go towards local communities.

After hearing about DAN’s ambitious plans, Bute Energy identified RSK as a potential partner, bringing in their expertise to conduct vital land and environmental surveys. Without this support, the project was facing delays, as DAN struggled to raise the necessary funds. 

Richard Lawrence, Recreation and Health Lead from Bute Energy said: 

“We’re thrilled to support this project and to see the impact it will have on the community. It’s a perfect example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. RSK have been brilliant partners, and we’re grateful for their role in helping DAN get closer to achieving their goals.” 

An idea which began in 2019, several challenges stalled progress to bring the idea to life. The COVD-19 pandemic, unprecedented changes to initial plans and loss in momentum meant that DAN were in desperate need of support.  

Fundraising efforts began in 2022 before Bute Energy and RSK got involved - with DAN raising just over £12,000 to go towards the project. An additional £64,000 was also secured through in-kind benefits, such as material donations or people working for free.  But there were still additional finances to cover as part of the development. 

Jenny, representing DAN, also praised the partnership:  

“Bute Energy’s support has been fundamental in enabling the project to progress – without their help and contacts we wouldn’t have had the resources to complete the building surveys to obtain planning permission. Richard has been fantastic and has always kept in touch to check on progress. RSK Environment Limited were the contractors who provided the help that we needed. Charlotte and her team were so professional and excellent to work with – we are so grateful for their help.” 

The ambitious plans for the development will improve the much used and much-loved facility.  

The project will involve updating the changing rooms and a double height gym area, which will be available for the local cricket, rugby and tennis clubs and could also be used to deliver Olympic weightlifting and personal training facilities for disadvantaged young people.  

The upper floor, served by an accessible lift, would provide a large flexible open plan space for indoor sports and social activities, with a moveable partition, so that it can be broken down into smaller areas as required.   

With surveys completed and fundraising efforts continuing, DAN is now preparing applications for major funding from the Community Facilities Fund and the Community Ownership Fund, which could see over £1 million in investment coming to the area.