A CAMPAIGN to restore a treasured Caerphilly borough heritage building has taken an “important step forward” after receiving £6,000 funding.

The Fleur De Lys Institute committee launched the campaign earlier this year and aim to transform the former Miners' Institute into a modern community space.

Recent donations have allowed architects to survey the building and draft plans to transform it into a modern community space.

Cllr Kevin Dawson, of Pengam ward, raised £600 from his 50th birthday party fundraiser last month, secured around £3,400 from a council assistance grant and £2,000 from “anonymous donors.”

He said: “If we don’t get the funding we need there is a very good chance we might lose the building

“However I’m very positive about this and it is exciting to see the community getting involved and engaging with us at this early stage.

“The institute was originally built as a way of improving life for miners and their families and it should continue to mean something to use today.”

Mr Dawson also extended his thanks to “everyone who has donated and supported the restoration”.

The building opened in 1911 after being paid for by local miners and has operated as a community base for more than 80 years, incorporating a library, concert hall and snooker room, with many societies based there.

The building also has a star-studded history from professional snooker player Doug Mountjoy practicing there to former world champion boxer Robbie Regan using it as a training base.

Committee chairman Bev Barnett said: “The funding is going to safeguard the building and with the people coming aboard it is definitely moving along in the right direction.

“We are hoping to hold a formal fundraiser in March inviting ex-footballers who trained at the institute and hope to restore the building to the pristine condition that the miners used it in.”

Previous funding has renovated the exterior of the building, including windows and a new heating system but the Fleur-De-Lys Institute committee are aiming for “major funding” to restore the building to its former glory.

Cllr Dawson has estimated that the long-term restoration of the building would cost around £3 million and following the architectural survey, the group hopes to apply for lottery funding.

Gwyn Price, AM for Islwyn added: “I’m very encouraged by the progress made so far and I’m looking forward to the future.”