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After years of fundraising, Bedwas Workmen’s Hall is finally set to have a lift installed.

Red Ray’s Lift Appeal, named in honour of late BTM councillor Ray Davies, was set up to raise around £150,000 to install a lift at the hall so it can comply with the 2005 Disability Act.

The venue, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, is now set to undergo a regeneration project from March 1, thanks to a National Lottery grant worth nearly £500,000, which was awarded last year.

The project will take place over four stages, which have already been approved by the council and are expected to finish within 12 months.

The first two stages will start on March 1. These include waterproofing the building, adding new windows, and the addition of a lift.

Ann Birkinshaw, clerk of Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen Community Council, said: “We will be adding a lift to the first floor making it more accessible. The lift will give access to everybody.”

The third and fourth stages will include a new addition to the side of the building that will be used as a library and an additional lift to the back of the building.

Bedwas Workmen’s Hall plans to celebrate the project with a launch party, which will involve local schools, dignitaries, and residents, as well as a choir performance.

The launch party will be held between 11am and 1pm on Friday March 1, coinciding with the start of the project.

Ms Birkinshaw added: “The Workmen’s Hall has been around for 100 years as a prevalent community space. We want to make sure in the next 100 years it’s safe and used for this purpose.”