A long-awaited scheme to breathe new life into the Newbridge Memorial Hall and Institute has been given the green light thanks to £2.2 million boost from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Work to revamp the building will now get underway after additional funding was approved for Caerphilly County Borough Council’s scheme, contributing to the on-going regeneration of the town.
The latest funding includes support from the European Regional Development Fund, the Targeted Match Fund, CADW and the Communities Facilities and Activities programme. A further £3.6m funding has also been secured from other organisations.
The historic building, which was once a bustling social venue in the heart of the local community, will now be transformed as part of a major improvement scheme that will see the whole building receive a facelift.
Minister for Business and Budget, Jane Hutt AM, said “I am delighted that through managing our resources, including EU funds, we have been able to back this project which will instil renewed pride in the community, bringing further economic and social opportunities for people living in the area.”
Funding for the Memo follows an earlier investment in the regeneration of the town to build the landmark Calzaghe Bridge. The bridge has created pedestrian links between isolated elements of the community and the town centre, providing accessibility to job opportunities, retail, leisure, cultural and educational services and facilities.
Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration welcomed the news “This is a landmark day for the Memo and we are delighted to be working closely with the Trustees to bring about the long-awaited regeneration of the building. The council has already agreed to provide much needed support for the small group of dedicated volunteers who are driving this scheme forward and we now look forward to seeing this historic venue restored to its former glory.”
Opened in 1908 the Institute included a billiards room, an extensive library, committee room and reading room stocked with daily newspapers and journals. The adjoining ‘Memo’ was constructed in 1924 as a lasting memorial to local servicemen who lost their lives during World War One. It boasted a ballroom and a cinema and quickly became a key meeting place for the whole community.
Chair of the Memo, Howard Stone said “This is fantastic news, the final step in what has been an eight year marathon. Huge thanks must be given to all those who have kept the belief that what was once a dream will now become a reality. We are also grateful to all our funding supporters and would thank WAG for at long last providing the much needed support to this fantastic project. Our thanks also go to the officers of Caerphilly Borough County Council who have worked tirelessly to achieve this result, and also to our superb project team.”
Other organisations funding the scheme include the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery, Trustees of the Institute and Memo and the Coalfields Regneration Trust.
