The Galv
The Galv is a unique part of our community space, located between the Neath Canal and the River Neath.
The History
The Neath Sheet Steel & Galvanizing Co. Ltd—known more affectionately as “The Galv” was once a big part of industrial life in Melincryddan. It was built on the site of an older chemical factory and set up by Edward Gibbins, along with Herbert Eccles and F.F. Card. The factory’s main job was to coat steel so it wouldn’t rust, vital for buildings and industry at the time.
Over the years, the site changed and developed, but steel rolling stopped in 1964, and galvanising ended in 1969, bringing this chapter of local industry to a close. You can find out more below:
In recent years, the space has been transformed from a former football pitch into a developing wild meadow. With support from Keep Wales Tidy, we are working towards creating a community space that can be enjoyed by both our members and the wider community.
So far, we have:
Planted fruit trees to begin establishing a community orchard
Installed bird boxes
(February 2025)
Introduced native flowers to support local wildlife