Operating The Blackwood Miners' Institute

Blackwood Miners' Institute (BMI) is a cultural landmark with a proud history. Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC) is looking to appoint an external operator to lead the artistic, cultural, community, and commercial activity of this Grade II listed historic venue.

The Council is undertaking preliminary market engagement to explore future operating models for Blackwood Miners’ Institute. This engagement exercise invites organisations with experience in cultural, arts, heritage, or venue management to attend a site visit to the BMI.

Through this early market engagement, CCBC aims to give interested organisations meaningful insight into Blackwood Miners’ Institute, its spaces, its capabilities, and its cultural role. The process is designed to offer inspiration and practical understanding so that potential bidders can explore what operating models might be possible. By experiencing the venue first-hand and learning about the opportunities and challenges it presents, organisations will be better placed to consider how their skills, vision, and approach could form a viable and sustainable operating solution.

Following the site visits, interested organisations will be required to submit an Expression of Interest. CCBC will then publish the full tender documents, which will set out the detailed requirements for the opportunity. Once tender submissions have been received, they will be evaluated in line with the stated criteria and the preferred operator will be identified.