The Palace Cinema in Risca has finally been re-opened as a new library and council service centre.
The grand re-opening took place last week with residents, local traders, schoolchildren and Risca Male Voice Choir attending the ceremony.
The Grade II listed building cost £2.25m to redevelop after standing derelict for more than 20 years.
The building, originally opened around 1912, has been transformed into a new library and council customer services centre as part of a deal with supermarket giant Tesco, which will have one of its express stores on the site. The new library will also include space to stage arts events and film nights.
Speaking at the opening, Cllr Vera Jenkins, the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough, said: “The Palace is more than just a building; it is nearly 100 years old and holds a host of memories for local people who until the 1960s enjoyed seeing the latest movies.
“And now here we are in 2011 opening this magnificent building that means so much to the community.”
Council leader Allan Pritchard: “Many libraries in other parts of the country are closing down and not providing alternative facilities. We are investing in these important town centre facilities and the old Palace Cinema here in Risca town is a significant demonstration of that policy.
“The historic and iconic building has been transformed into an exciting new library and customer service centre, where people from Risca and Pontymister and the surrounding communities can take full advantage.”
Islwyn’s Labour MP Chris Evans also attended and welcomed the opening of the building.
He said: “I am delighted that the Palace has been restored to its former glory and speaking to local residents you can really tell what it means to people.
“Nearly everyone has a memory about the Palace and I would like to pay tribute to the people of Risca who campaigned tirelessly to renovate it.
“Thanks to them, young people in Risca will have the opportunity to enjoy this famous landmark.”
The Palace is not the only new library in Caerphilly County Borough.
Blackwood Library recently re-opened its doors to members of the public having undergone a £215,000 refurbishment – partly funded by a grant of £94,000 from the Welsh Government.