Council secures six-figure grant for Blackwood Miners’ Institute improvements

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Blackwood Miners’ Institute has secured a six-figure grant, which will help fund a string of improvements at the recently-saved venue.

The future of the cultural venue had been under threat as part of council cost-cutting measures.

Legal questions and a public backlash followed, and the at-risk venue was ultimately given a last-minute lifeline through the receipt of £210,000 from the Welsh Government last year.

Now, a further £220,000 grant from Arts Council Wales – which is part-funded by the Welsh Government – will go towards internal repairs, upgraded Wi-Fi, and refurbished seating.

It will also cover the costs of eco-friendly lighting and a “state-of-the-art” sound system.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has said it will commit 10% match funding to further support the ‘Stute.

The works are set to begin by the end of this month, the council confirmed.

Interim council leader Jamie Pritchard praised the authority’s arts development team for securing the funding and said: “These upgrades will transform the visitor experience and safeguard the venue’s future as a cultural hub for our communities.”