A Welsh tourist attraction has been saved after receiving a major funding boost. Caerphilly County Borough Council have confirmed the Blackwood Miners’ Institute has received a six-figure sum from the Arts Council of Wales.
Last year, the council proposed withdrawing the Insitute’s funding and “mothballing” the site from January 2025. Under the council’s initial proposals, the Grade II* listed building, along with Llancaiach Fawr Manor, were set to be left empty in an attempt to deliver savings.
The Blackwood Miners’ Institute received a £347,000 annual subsidy from the council, which said it would need to make “difficult decisions” in order to deliver savings of £45 million in the next two years. While Llancaiach Fawr Manor sadly closed its doors for the last time in December 2024, there is new hope for Blackwood Miners Institute after the successful application to the Arts Council of Wales.
In December it was announced the venue would be able to remain open for an extended period while an alternative delivery model was considered for the venue. Now, Caerphilly County Borough Council has confirmed that the venue will remain fully operational for the foreseeable future.
A new events and activity calendar is being developed beyond the original proposed closure date of March 31 and details will be announced in due course. The venue has received money through the ‘Jobs Protection and Resilience Fund’ from the Arts Council of Wales, totalling £210,000.
This will enable the Institute to remain open until at least the end of March 2026, while the council transitions to a new business model and trustee structure. For the latest Caerphilly news, sign up to our newsletter here
After a march in September 2024 against the council’s proposals, Neal Elstone, whose father was previously chairman of the institute, told Wales Online: “The passion as we were walking down the street very much was: ‘You cannot take our heritage away from us. Our fathers and grandfathers paid money out of their wages to have a facility in Blackwood that would cater for everyone and you’re taking it away’.”
Hundreds of supporters marched in protest against the possible closure of Blackwood Miners’ Institute and Llancaiach Fawr in September
(Image: Roger Donovan)
Reacting to the news that the venue would remain open, one person commented online: “Very good news. The Arts, Music, Drama, is an essential service to all communities and to the well being, mental health of residents. To future generations.” Another person added: “Very pleased for Blackwood Miners but deeply saddened for the loss of Llancaiach Fawr.”
Cllr Sean Morgan, leader of Caerphilly Council, said: “We very much welcome this significant funding announcement, which will allow us to continue to operate the site beyond March 2025. We will now continue to work collaboratively with our independent advisory panel and the Arts Council for Wales to ensure that we can secure the best outcome for this historic cultural venue.
“I’m sure the whole community will welcome this positive news, which demonstrates our commitment to exploring all options to secure a bright new future for Blackwood Miners Institute.”