ONE of Brynmawr’s landmark buildings is to get a £220,000 makeover after receiving a grant from the Welsh Assembly.

Blaenau Gwent council put together a proposal for improvements for The Market Hall Cinema, Brynmawr, and have successfully secured a £180,000 grant to refurbish the outside of the building.

The remaining £40,000 needed for the work will be funded by the council.

Work on the building will start this week and will be ongoing for around 14 weeks, with the project due to be completed early in the New Year.

Access to Brynmawr Library, museum and public toilets will not be affected by the work and the cinema will be open as normal with films showing as scheduled.

The council said it would be working closely with the contractors to make sure there is minimum disruption to town centre businesses and members of the public.

Duty manager at the Market Hall Cinema, Ralph Price, said the refurbishment would benefit the people of Brynmawr.

He said: "The outside of the cinema is looking a little bit worn now so this money will really help to upgrade the building for the benefit of local people - it's great news."

Cllr Jason Owen, executive member for leisure, said the grant was great news for the Market Hall Cinema and the local community.

He said: “We’re pleased that the Welsh Assembly have recognised the significance of the cinema to local people and have agreed to provide £180,000 of funding towards its refurbishment.”

For more information about the refurbishment of the Market Hall Cinema, residents and businesses can contact Karin Lamb on 01495 355565.