Charity Groundwork Caerphilly has opened its new Ty Mynyddislwyn Environment Centre in Pontllanfraith.
Groundwork Caerphilly was awarded £731,971 by the Big Lottery Fund in 2010 to take ownership of Ty Mynyddislwyn from Caerphilly County Borough Council, and run activities including employment and training advice, environmental volunteering and the promotion of sustainability, local craft enterprises are also set to benefit.
The building, erected in 1913 was the former Islwyn Council Building and is grade II listed.
Further funding was then secured through CFAP and Caerphilly County Borough Council, allowing full refurbishment of the existing office building as well as installation of a demonstration kitchen.
Islwyn MP Chris Evans attended the official opening of the Ty Mynyddislwyn Environment Centre.
Mr Evans said: “We are very fortunate in Islwyn to have Groundwork Caerphilly who already do an excellent job at improving our community areas, parks and natural spaces. Now, they have a facility.
“That is why I was delighted to attend the grand opening of the Ty Mynyddislwyn Environment Centre and see first-hand the fantastic effort which has gone in to making this a state of the art facility.”
Lee Turner, acting Executive Director at Groundwork, said: “We are very proud of our new Environment Centre that will also enhance the project work we deliver for the benefit of the community.”
Cllr Gaynor Oliver, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough, said: “Congratulations to Groundwork Caerphilly for achieving 21 years helping to make positive changes which create better neighbourhoods and improve the quality of life for Caerphilly County Borough residents. This building will allow Groundwork Caerphilly to continue impacting lives.”