Library renovation stayed within budget despite delays and vandalism

The £400,000 refurbishment of Rhymney Library remained within budget despite setbacks and vandalism. 

The library reopened on January 8 after being closed for nearly a year-long renovation. 

It was initially due to reopen in the summer of 2023, before being pushed back until September due to internal decisions and then again due to vandalism. 

In August, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s library service reported instances of vandalism, prompting the authority to confirm the library would not reopen until the building was “safe for all”. 

Despite these setbacks, the library opened within budget earlier this year.

A spokesperson for the library service told Caerphilly Observer: “It was important that we stayed in budget, which we were able to do”.

The library was funded by the council and the Welsh Government.

The new improvements include a refurbished first and second floor, improved Wi-Fi, and private meeting rooms. The council added that decisions were made based on feedback from a community survey.

A range of council support services will also be available at the library, including Caerphilly Cares, the council tax team, benefits team, and the employment engagement team.

The first floor has been developed into the ‘Idris Davies Community Learning Hub’, confirmed the council, which plans on using the space to support the Welsh language.

The last Rhymney Library refurbishment happened in 2009, having first opened back in the 1970s.