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Plans are under way for a new workshop at Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community, providing a bespoke space for DIY, arts and crafts.

The centre provides a wide range of community sessions including parent-and-baby groups, wellbeing and fitness courses, and activities for older people.

Caerphilly Observer is also based at the centre.

Formerly the original Caerphilly Miners Hospital building, it was rescued by Katherine Hughes-led community efforts when the health board decided to sell off the site for housing.

The centre has become a focus of community activity in recent years, becoming so popular that some activities can no longer be fully accommodated in the existing building.

Caerphilly County Borough Council planning officers have backed proposals for a new ‘hobby room’ located at the rear of the miners centre, featuring workspaces for gardeners and other visitors.

Part-funded by the National Lottery, the timber-clad workshop will hopefully be completed in time for a September opening.

Sophie Davies, the centre’s business manager, said the workshop will provide “another learning opportunity for people who are learning different skills, and a space for small business owners to expand”.