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A popular arts centre which has been a town landmark for generations has been saved from closure following months of uncertainty about its future.

The Muni Arts Centre in Pontypridd will remain open and be maintained as a centre for community arts and culture after the council granted a lease to The Muni Working Group.

The group, set up by Pontypridd MP Owen Smith, includes representatives from Pontypridd Town Council, Cylch Cymreig, Artis Community, Coalfields Regeneration and the YMCA.

The local authority said relinquishing responsibility for the Muni will save it around £400,000.

The centre was facing the end after Rhondda Cynon Taf council decided to shut the theatre as part of multi-million-pound public service cuts to bridge a £30m budget gap.

Max Boyce and Amy Wadge - who co-wrote Ed Sheeran's Number One hit Thinking Out Loud - were among those who expressed their sadness at the closure.

But Max said he was over the moon with the decision to keep the Muni open and that he looks forward to performing there again in the near future.

Max, who has recently undergone bypass surgery on his heart, has had to cancel 22 concerts this year, but he said when he is back to full strength he would love to perform there again.

He added: “It’s wonderful news to hear this theatre will remain open and it’s typical of the Pontypridd community to make sure it is looked after.

“I’m sure it will be a big success as I know the people of the area will support it.

“The Muni is part of the community fabric and I wish the group which is taking it over all the success in the world.”

Wendy York, from Artis Community and spokeswoman for the Muni Working Group, said more than 150 people came through the doors of the Muni to offer ideas and support at an open consultation day.

She added: “This growing network is creating a very exciting future for the Muni and the cultural growth of people in Pontypridd and across RCT.

“The proposal seeks to re-establish the Muni as a community driven facility that will not only host arts and cultural events as before, providing a venue for the community to come together, but also encourage a wide range of other activities, from enterprise support to better health.

“We are unclear as to the detail of the decision as yet, as the item was discussed in closed session at RCT – confidential due to the financials in the business plan.

“The hard work now begins and the doors need to be opened soon. As we undertake further research, carry out surveys and take the first steps to establishing the new Muni, we will need our community to work with us.

“Many have already offered their time and expertise and we will be contacting them, but this is not exclusive. New ideas can always be considered and welcomed.

“We are hopeful that, providing the discussions with RCT go well, we will be able to re-open the doors to the community in the very near future as a new hub for culture, enjoyment, socialising, participation and learning.”

MP Mr Smith added: “I’ve always believed the Muni could be maintained as a going concern by the community and I’m delighted the council has agreed to give us that chance.

“The working group has already done some fantastic work building support and partnerships to sustain a new Muni and I will continue to offer them every bit of help I can to revitalise the Muni and make it the regional centre for arts and culture that we all know it can be.

“It’s already clear that, at its heart, there will be a continued concentration on music, dance, theatre the arts and on engaging young people.

“However, the ethos of the project is to deliver a centre and a programme that meets the needs and aspirations of the community, so I have no doubt that further dialogue, consultation and partnership with local people will be essential to its success.”

Pontypridd Town Council also expressed its “delight” with RCT Council cabinet's decision to accept the group’s business plan.

A town council spokesman said: “The aim of the group is and will be to develop a vibrant, engaging and sustainable centre for the community.

"A centre where arts, culture and language provide a focus for participation, development, creativity and experience for the people of the area.

“With this decision the hard work of the Muni Working Group has only started for Pontypridd to achieve a venue that the community will continue to enjoy and participate in artistic and creative activities that inspire fuller lives.”

An RCT council spokesman said: “While information in the report considered by cabinet last week remains exempt, the council can confirm that cabinet approved recommendations to grant a lease to the successful applicant in respect of the Muni.

“This will see the facility maintained as a centre for community arts and culture and is in line with the council’s ongoing commitment to look at alternative operating models including community or social enterprise ownership for services which are no longer affordable in light of the £30m budget gap faced next year.”

The theatre, a converted church situated in the heart of the town, is renowned for its gigs featuring new bands from the area, famous bands including Funeral for a Friend and Alphabeat, comedy, children’s events, contemporary dance, cinema, exhibitions, and community events.