We’re excited to share that Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) has received £132,000 from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme (CFP) to help make our historic building more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and ready for a greener future.

This funding means we can move forward with important work to reduce our energy bills and carbon footprint — including installing a new heating system and other upgrades to make the building warmer, greener, and more cost-effective to run.

EVI has been at the heart of Blaenau Gwent for over 170 years, and we want to make sure it continues to be a welcoming and sustainable place for years to come.

Building on Past Improvements

This latest support builds on the success of our 2021 refurbishment. We received £250,000 in CFP funding for improvements across the building — including better accessibility, safety upgrades, and the creation of our beautiful community garden.

“Our aim is to make this 173-year-old building fit for the future — reducing our carbon footprint and securing EVI as a sustainable, welcoming space for the community for years to come. Thanks to this funding, we can continue our journey to protect our heritage while embracing a greener future.”
– Tim Carter, Centre Manager

Projects That Make a Difference

EVI is home to a wide range of community projects, including the EVI Pantry and monthly Repair Café. In the past two years, the Repair Café has saved over 600kg of waste from going to landfill and prevented more than 11,000kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. Together, the Pantry and Repair Café have saved local people over £117,000 in food and repair costs. To find out more about What’s On at EVI, head here!

Thank you to the Welsh Government for helping us keep EVI moving forward. Protecting the past, supporting the present, and building a greener future for all.

ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.