Caerphilly County Borough Council will move forward with its new Library Service strategy from 8 September, after the High Court refused to grant an interim injunction that would have delayed the plans. The strategy will see the creation of seven new community Hubs, offering library facilities alongside a wide range of other council services.
Residents in the Caerphilly county borough will soon be able to access a wide range of council services within seven new community ‘Hubs’ which are being developed across the area.
A brand-new network of Hubs will officially open on 8th September, marking a bold new chapter in the way the council delivers its library service and a range of other support services across the county borough. The hub concept has been developed as part of the council’s commitment to improve the customer experience by offering support, advice and access to a range of services in a network of conveniently located buildings.
These new Hubs – which have already been successfully piloted in Rhymney – will open in key town centre locations including Bargoed, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Rhymney and Risca. Additionally access to hub services will also be available from Ystrad Mynach and Newbridge from 2026.
The Hubs are being designed around the needs of each community and the services on offer at each site will reflect the needs of local people in the surrounding community. They will provide a welcoming, accessible space where residents can connect, learn and grow. Visitors will find traditional library services alongside a wide range of support and advice on health, wellbeing, employment, adult education, finance, digital skills and more – all under one roof.
As part of this transformation, a wide range of support services are being brought together under the new ‘Hubs and Community Services’ model. This includes Volunteering, Caerphilly Cares, Community Connectors, Adult Education, Engagement, and Libraries. By combining these services, the council aims to create a more joined-up and accessible support network that puts people at the heart of service delivery. Residents will benefit from a simpler, more coordinated experience when accessing help and opportunities in their communities.
Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of the Council, commented, “I am pleased to be able to press ahead with the plans to develop our community hubs and at the same time we will robustly defend the Judicial Review challenge ahead.”
He continued, “This new model will create something stronger and more sustainable for the future of the service built around the needs of the community. The new Hubs will be inclusive, community-focused spaces that bring services closer to the people who need them most, making accessing support simpler and more efficient.
It is also an exciting opportunity for communities to help shape what’s available in the Hubs and to reimagine how our smaller library buildings can be used in the future”.
The remaining 10 sites are scheduled to close by the 8th of September.
