A scheme to turn a chapel into a library has been boosted by £280,000 worth of Welsh Assembly cash.
Hanbury Road Baptist Chapel in Bargoed is to be transformed into a new library as part of the regeneration of the town.
Caerphilly County Borough Council approved plans to turn the landmark Grade 2* listed building into a library and community space back in October.
As well as boasting the library service, the building, located in the heart of the town centre, will also house a new community café and office space.
A new worship space will also be created so that the building can still be used by the local congregation.
The century-old building with its classic architecture is a dominant building on Bargoed’s main shopping street.
The rear of the building, which faces the main car park, will be demolished and replaced with a new extension.
The funding of £279,998 is part of a wider £4m package to modernise Wales’ public libraries and improve public access to heritage buildings.
The Assembly’s Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “Central to this investment is the modernisation of our public libraries to appeal to new audiences by providing new IT services such as wi-fi alongside the ever popular books in a modern attractive environment.”
Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert said: “I am delighted Bargoed library has been awarded this grant.
“The internet has revolutionised the way members of the public use libraries and it is imperative we cater for those needs.
“The modern day library must now appeal to different audiences and this grant will go a long way in doing that.
“The Labour-led Assembly Government is proud to invest in developing, promoting and modernising the public library network and I hope people in places like Bargoed and Gilfach will benefit for many years to come.”
For more information about the regeneration of Bargoed visit www.bargoedsbigidea.co.uk