WELSH Government funding has been secured to deliver an exciting transformation of the derelict former market hall in Llandeilo.

Carmarthenshire County Council, which is behind plans to bring the historic building back in to use, has welcomed the a £1.4million cash injection from the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government which was announced this week by Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn.

The council expects to get the project underway in early 2020, creating an innovative rural business hub with bespoke employment space for small to medium rural businesses and a new rural enterprise academy.

It forms an important element of the council’s wide-ranging rural regeneration strategy to sustain and create employment and business opportunities in 10 key areas across Carmarthenshire to support and strengthen the rural economy.

Up to 45 jobs are being created by bringing the Grade II Listed building back in to use.

As well as providing business space, the hall will also be available to hire with flexible space for events and markets, and will have a small cafe.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of the council and Executive Board Member for Regeneration said its location and scale make it an ideal venue for businesses and community groups.

“We look forward to getting started on work to bring this historic listed building back in to use,” he said. “Our economic development team has worked tirelessly to secure external funding to deliver the project, and a much-needed economic boost in one of our key rural towns.

“This space will mean more businesses can grow and thrive with modern, bespoke, facilities to work and collaborate.”

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Hannah Blythyn said: “This beautiful architecturally important building which has served the community for so long is getting a new lease of life, and I look forward to seeing it flourish and grow.

“We want to support local businesses, develop our fantastic town centres – and this investment will help to create job opportunities out of an empty property and attract more people to the town – increasing footfall.”

Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member for Rural Affairs, said: “Creating more opportunities for rural communities to thrive is a key element of our regeneration strategy, and this development in Llandeilo is a major step forward in our plans. As we work towards providing a more sustainable future for our rural communities, schemes such as this - which provide new prospects for employment and business - will help us release more potential for future growth.”

The market hall will shortly be fenced off for preliminary works to commence, between February 12 and February 24. This will mean car parking at the site will be unavailable.