Spotlight on: The Hive Llandrindod Wells

The Organisation

The Hive sits in the heart of Llandrindod Wells, providing both a physical home and a vital sense of stability for a wide range of community-led projects. For the past three and a half years, it has been a hub of activity thanks to a successful partnership between Severn Wye, Llandrindod Wells Town Council, and Trawsnewid Llandrindod Transition (TLT), which secured over £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund. This funding enabled the long-term rental of a prominent vacant commercial unit in the town centre, transforming it into a dynamic hub for community engagement.

Inside The Hive, a diverse range of repair and reuse initiatives flourish—including a Library of Things, repair cafe, community workshop, baby bank for redistributing baby clothes, uniform exchange, and welcoming community hub. The space also includes meeting rooms for hire and rooms rented to local businesses, with a shared staff kitchen that’s frequently used for birthdays and group events.

Its influence has extended beyond Llandrindod, inspiring the creation of other repair and reuse spaces across Powys, built on good practice and lessons learnt through The Hive’s approach.

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Described by a volunteer as having a “lovely atmosphere” and being especially “friendly,” the space maintains a steady flow of visitors, with a reliable core of regulars and occasional surges in demand that lead to buzzing, high-energy days. The Hive continues to serve as a consistent and valued presence in the community, meeting a broad spectrum of social and practical needs.

Working with the Community

"If you're going to work with a community, talk to them and find out what they want and need. When we were starting out, we went to all sorts of clubs and events that attracted families – everything from mother and toddler groups and play groups to family events in the summer holidays, and even arranging to meet young carers at the pub. It's important to be humble and open-minded when you're doing research. The last thing you should do is waltz in and tell people what they need. It's important to listen and act on what you're told."

In response to community needs, The Hive Library of Things stocks a wide range of items, from clothing and disability aids to camping equipment and tools. By investing in a zero-carbon e-cargo bike, the Severn Wye team can deliver loaned or donated goods to and from families without access to a vehicle, while demonstrating the viability of low-carbon transport options in even the most rural settings.

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Impact

Organisers suggest that the impact of the Hive is rooted in community. They say that it has become a vibrant and essential community hub, fostering sustainability and social connection through their activities. Organisers and a volunteer suggested that volunteers - many of whom live alone - look forward to the sociable atmosphere, where shared skills, refreshments, and a welcoming buzz help combat isolation and build confidence. They have also developed strong local partnerships, working closely with charity shops to circulate clothing and linking with judo and karate instructors to ensure uniforms are reused. Through informal networks, it regularly signposts individuals to additional services like foodbanks, creating a well connected, compassionate ecosystem of local support.

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Success and Lessons Learnt

The Hive has evolved into a beacon of community-led sustainability, sharing its model through seminars, direct advice, and hands-on pop-up events to inspire and guide others. By connecting with schools, it promotes a culture of repair among younger generations, embedding sustainable thinking into everyday life. Initially, the team faced cultural barriers - particularly in rural and farming communities where asking for help carried a stigma - but proactive outreach reframed the service as a positive, environmental initiative. This shift significantly increased uptake, with growing numbers of repeat users and a clear appreciation from the community. The impact is not only social but environmental too, with measurable carbon savings and consistent feedback from users who tell organisers they "don’t know what they would do without this service."

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This article was adapted from Welsh Government's Evaluation of Repair and Reuse Activities.

With additional information from Carbon Copy: The Hive | Llandrindod Wells | circular economy