PLANS for a major refurbishment of Llandeilo’s iconic Shire Hall have been submitted to the council for approval.

The plans submitted by Mentor Bro Dinefwr who are based in the building, include plans for a heritage centre, office space for local businesses and new council chambers where Llandeilo’s Town Council meetings will be held.

The project has been bidding for funding for the £1.3million refurbishment.

Spokesperson for the project, Sara Rees, said: “The Shire Hall is such a beautiful building but it badly needs work.

“The plans we have submitted will allow people to make the most of that Llandeilo has to offer.

“If it is granted planning permission, the Shire Hall will serve as a hub for local people and provide a much needed centre for heritage and tourism in Llandeilo.

“After the consultations held earlier this year, we have listened to what the people of Llandeilo want and believe the building will be returned to its former glory and will be an asset to this historic town once again,” Sara said.

The building which is owned by Llandeilo Town Council, will feature a grand open space where the heritage centre will be based, a complete refurbishment of the inside and outside of the building and an extension to the rear of the property.

The project will create at least two full-time jobs, as well as office spaces for local business to grow in.

Mentor Bro Dinefwr, who will continue to run operations from the newly refurbished spaces, are looking forward to the opportunities the project will open up for the community.

Sara Rees, who also works for Mentor Bro Dinefwr, said: “The refurbishment will allow us to further promote the Welsh language in Llandeilo as well as giving us a larger, more modern space where we can organise primary support for the community.”

Sara said the public consultations which were held earlier this year were very positive.

She said: “The community seemed to be very pleased that we were looking at refurbishing the building.

“We will retain the character for the building, as requested by the people of Llandeilo.

“They said the lack of a tourism and heritage centre was really noticeable in Llandeilo and desperately needed.

“We are really excited for the project to get underway when planning permission is hopefully granted.”