Blaenau Gwent Council has formally transferred the freehold of Brynmawr’s Market Hall Cinema and the adjoining former Library building to the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Group.
Plans to transfer the building were due for completion in early 2020, but were put on hold due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It has been an extremely difficult period for art and cultural venues such as the Market Hall, and they’re relishing being back open and welcoming film goers back into the iconic building.
The transfer agreement in place secures the future of this much loved cinema, and paves the way for the addition of a second screen within the next five years.
Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council and Executive Member for Corporate & Performance, Cllr Steve Thomas says:
“There has always been a shared desire to secure a sustainable and successful future for this important and much-loved local facility.
“Community Asset Transfers are proving successful across Blaenau Gwent, helping to retain and even improve community and sporting facilities for people to use and enjoy.
“There has been a true partnership approach from the Council and the Trustees to reach this landmark point for the Cinema, and with plans for a second screen in the pipeline we look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.”
Beth Watkins, Chair of the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Trust says:
“We are excited to now be in a position where we can commence with our plans to develop the Market Hall, securing its future and ensuring that we can continue to provide cinema and access to the arts to the people of Blaenau Gwent.
“The ability to provide this in the centre of Brynmawr in such a historical venue is exiting and something that, as a charity, we feel passionate about.”
Ward Members for Brynmawr, councillors Wayne Hodgins and John Hill, and former ward member Lyn Elias, said in a joint statement:
“We would like to say that as members who had been on the Market Hall journey from the outset we are happy that the Market Hall Cinema and Arts Group has stayed committed to the project, as the cinema is a major asset to our town. We wish them every success for their future ambitions.”