The exterior of the Blackwood Miners’ Institute has been cleaned and re-pointed as part of a £750,000 revamp,
A brand new seating unit is currently being installed in the main auditorium, and redecoration of the entrance foyer is also in progress.
Works are also currently ongoing to replace internal fire doors and repair defective flooring, as well as a complete roof replacement to make the building weather-tight
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education, leisure and lifelong learning said: “The improvement works to the external façade of the building have given it a real makeover, and I greatly look forward to seeing the internal improvement works as they near completion”.
He added: “Blackwood Miners’ Institute, which next month celebrates its twentieth anniversary of becoming a theatre, is very much a beacon for first class live music, theatre, arts and other community facilities in Caerphilly county borough, and these excellent improvement works will help ensure that this continues to be the case for many years to come.”
The next phase of works will be to install shower facilities and improve the changing rooms, and to demolish the Lesser Hall to the rear of the ‘Stute to help improve vehicle access to the building.
While works are ongoing, Blackwood Miners’ Institute remains open.