VITAL work to save Blackwood’s iconic grade II listed miners institute is set to get the green light this week, as Caerphilly council’s cabinet is expected to rubber-stamp a £750,000 repair programme.

The work will see the building made watertight, with the roof, defective flooring and 200 seats in the main auditorium all replaced.

Its reception area will also be decorated and the facility will be modified to incorporate energy-efficiency technologies.

The main facade will also be cleaned with the lesser hall demolished to improve vehicle access at the back of the building.

Blackwood town councillor Andrew Farina-Childs has campaigned for work for nearly a year after fearing for the stute’s future, with water leaking in and damp causing paint to peel off walls.

He said: “This is like our town hall, our cultural home.

It is used by so many clubs, organisations, the town council plus yearly pantomimes that attract 10,000 people.

“The Manics played their homecoming gig here and a referendum debate was held here. Something had to be done as it was falling into rack and ruin and everyone would be in despair if it had to close.”

Cllr Farina-Childs praised new leader of Caerphilly council, Cllr Allan Pritchard, who he said rushed through plans after he outlined to him the seriousness of the situation.

The historical building has been central to life in Blackwood since it was completed in 1925. Paid for out of wages of Oakdale Colliery workers, it is the only performing arts theatre in Caerphilly county.

Cllr Pritchard said that if his cabinet approve plans tomorrow, the stute will be “fit for purpose for future generations” and will “continue to be a beacon for community arts in south Wales”.

While the council hopes work can start immediately, consideration will need to be given to the performance schedule to limit any disruption to events. Because of this, no finish date has been given for the work, with listed building consent also needed.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: An astute move

ITS great news that Caerphilly Council could this week give the goahead for some much-needed work at Blackwood’s Grade II-listed miners institute.

The building looks set to get some £750,000 of work including the roof, flooring and 200 seats in the main auditorium all replaced.

The reception area will also be decorated and the facility will be modified to become more green.

There were fears for the future of the entire building at one time. Which is why it’s now pleasing to see this lifeline thrown to it. You should never underestimate the importance of buildings like the ‘Stute.

Used by clubs, organisations, the town council plus yearly pantomimes which attract 10,000 people, it certainly proves its worth.

Communities have lost far too much over the years.

Anything done to save services and buildings that play an important part in them has to be welcomed.