Trecenydd Community Centre has been re-opened after a £160,000 refurbishment.
Council leader and local ward member Lindsay Whittle officially opened the centre which now boasts a new kitchen and coffee bar, a refurbished meeting room, lounge, main hall and new windows and doors.
The opening was marked with a balloon release, musical performances from local singers, harpist Siân Williams and the Caerphilly Male Voice Choir. There was also a demonstration from World Kickboxing Champion Steve Bevan, who teaches at the community centre.
A presentation was also made to centre treasurer Gwen Williams – the serving volunteer at the centre who was involved in the original campaign to have it built in the early 1970s.
The refurbishments to the Community Centre were made possible after the Trecenydd Community Centre Management Committee was successful in obtaining grants of £121,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Facilities and Activities Programme, £30,000 from Cwm Y Mynydd Key Fund, £10,000 from Caerphilly County Borough Council and £1,500 from the Welsh Church Fund.
Gareth Cole, chair of Trecenydd Community Centre Management Committee said: “The last two years of trying to get the centre refurbished have been incredible.
“I have been involved with the centre since I was young, and it is amazing to see how it has been transformed. It has given a real lift to the community and marks an exciting new chapter for Trecenydd.”