A nationally important, nearly complete, complex of both Grade II* and II buildings. Plans for use as community hub at risk due to pollution
Grade II*-listed, 1891, Gabe Jones
The Navigation Colliery is a nationally important and nearly complete complex of Grade II* and II-listed buildings, which include a winding engine house, colliery baths, and chimney. Built in the early twentieth century, it was one of the earliest collieries in South Wales to be built in brick rather than local stone and was a show-pit of the period with high quality buildings and up-to-date machinery. The pit closed in 1967 and has been disused ever since, with a proposed residential redevelopment falling through due to the 2008 financial crisis. Local community group, GLOFA Navigation Cyf, now plan to restore the buildings for commercial and community use, creating jobs and an education centre as well as green electricity generation. However, turning Navigation Colliery into a hub for the community once again seems a long way off without the necessary funding to address the pollution rising from the former mineshaft and a collapsing culvert beneath the main access road.
Status Update / March 2026
After several years of advocacy from local conservation groups, the National Coal Authority have confirmed that the two shafts will now be capped. This will allow surface works to be undertaken safely once the funding is in place. Natural Resources Wales is currently investigating a report of sulphur odour and water discolouration in the area which, if traced back to the colliery, could trigger urgent remedial work.