Building a historic, future and environmental legacy at EVI

ProMo Cymru is pleased to share that Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) has been awarded £132,000 from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme (CFP) to support essential sustainability improvements.

Sustaining Wales’ Oldest Institute

As custodians and operators of EVI since 2008, ProMo has overseen its development into a thriving community and cultural centre. This latest funding will help futureproof the historic building — the oldest institute in Wales — by reducing energy costs and making the site more environmentally sustainable.

Situated in the heart of Blaenau Gwent, EVI has served the community for over 170 years. The CFP funding will support the installation of a new heating system and additional energy efficiency measures, helping to reduce the building’s carbon footprint while strengthening its long-term financial and environmental future.

Building on Past Investment

This award builds on the success of a £250,000 CFP refurbishment in 2021, which brought major improvements to the building’s infrastructure — including enhanced accessibility, safety upgrades, and the creation of a vibrant community garden. Now, EVI takes its next step toward becoming a low-carbon, future-ready facility.

“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

Sustainability and Support in the Community

EVI is home to a wide range of projects and services, including the incredibly successful EVI Pantry and monthly Repair Café. The Repair Café alone has saved over 600kg of waste from going to landfill and prevented more than 11,000kg of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere in the past two years. Together, the Pantry and Repair Café have saved the local community a combined total of over £117,000 in grocery costs and repairs. These initiatives reflect the centre’s strong focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and community-led innovation.

We’re grateful to the Welsh Government for investing in EVI’s next chapter — one where heritage meets sustainability and community remains at the centre.