Rhymney Library could be converted into community hub in £289k revamp

Rhymney Library could be transformed into a community hub as part of a £289,000 refurbishment.

The revamp could see a new layout in the library, which will include a children’s space, a laptop lounge and a Welsh language book collection.

The Welsh Government could fund £162,000 of the cost if the bid is successful, and the remaining £127,000 will be funded by the council – £18,000 of which will come from the Library Service budget, and £109,000 from the place-shaping reserve.

Funding could also be spent on improving and preserving the Idris Davies collection, as well as creating a space for partners of the council to use – for example, Gwent Police could hold surgeries at the hub.

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, March 9, Cllr Eluned Stenner, Cabinet Member for Performance, Economy and Enterprise, said the proposed hub is “positive news for the north of the borough”.

What is Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet?

A council’s cabinet is made up of councillors in charge of different policy areas – such as education, environment, local economy, etc – and a leader.

It is separate to the council’s corporate management structure, which is headed up by its chief executive and various directors. Cabinet is made up of councillors, who are elected and have the ultimate say.

Typically, cabinet members are councillors from the party with the most elected council members.

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet is made up of:

Cllr Sean Morgan (Nelson) – Leader
Cllr Jamie Pritchard (Morgan Jones) – Deputy Leader; Prosperity, Regeneration and Climate Change
Cllr Nigel George (Risca East) – Corporate Services and Property
Cllr Eluned Stenner (New Tredegar) – Finance and Performance
Cllr Carol Andrews (Gilfach) – Education and Communities
Cllr Shayne Cook (Morgan Jones) – Housing
Cllr Elaine Forehead (Van) – Social Care
Cllr Philippa Leonard (Risca East) – Planning and Public Protection
Cllr Chris Morgan (Machen and Rudry) – Waste, Leisure and Green Spaces

Corporate management is made up of unelected employees of the council and has responsibility for day-to-day management of services, such as making sure the bins are collected. Corporate directors work with cabinet members to come up with policy which is then agreed upon by the cabinet.

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One of the project’s aims is to combat social isolation by creating a space for local residents to enjoy and come together.

The library was first opened in the 1970s and was last refurbished in 2009.

Cllr Philippa Marsden, leader of the council, said the project would ensure that the space was being used.

Cllr Marsden added: “This is a commitment to Rhymney town itself.”

The report presented to the cabinet says the project aims to support the climate change agenda through recycling and buying eco-friendly equipment and building supplies.

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Library could be transformed into community hub in £289k refurbishment

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