A project to turn an historic former hospital into a community centre has been awarded a Big Lottery Fund grant of £250,000.
The Caerphilly Miners’ Centre for the Community group is trying to raise £1 million to bring the original Beeches building into community use.
The group, which has been raising funds for the past five years, has now secured more than £600,000 towards its goal. Alongside significant donations from local people, it received £300,000 through the Welsh Government’s CFAP scheme (Community Facilities and Activities Programme) in 2013.
Wayne David MP, Chair of the Caerphilly Miners’ Centre group, said: “This is really tremendous news – things are now really moving.”
The Beeches building (pictured) will be a fully accessible, multi-use community centre for the benefit of the local community. When complete, it will benefit 5,000 people and 80 separate organisations. This latest grant means that building works can now progress, with the first two floors of the community centre expected to be ready for public use by January 2015. Building work is likely to begin in March 2014.
Over the past five years, the group has received much local support. Housing developer Lovell and United Welsh, both of whom are delivering the new homes on the former hospital site, are committed to supporting the group, as is GE Aviation based in Nantgarw.
Tony Whittaker, Chief Executive of United Welsh, added: “This is great news. For the past five years we have been working alongside the committee to secure the future of the Beeches, and with this grant work to restore this historic building can now begin in earnest.
“We are fully committed to enhancing the communities we invest in – and this building will be an important resource at the heart of the wider Beeches Village development.”
• If you are interested in supporting the cause please contact Katherine Hughes on 029 2088 6569 or you can donate at www.justgiving.com/caerphillyminers/