Brecon Museum and Art Gallery revamp plans unveiled

The council will submit a planning application later this year

Plans have been unveiled for an £8.8m revamp of a Victorian museum and art gallery and a new library in Brecon in Powys.

Development of the council-owned Grade II-listed Brecknock Museum is part of wider plans for a cultural and community hub in the town centre.

It will also include a community space, cafe and shop.

The authority aims to submit a planning application to Brecon Beacons National Park Authority later this year.

The design for the library shows that the main entrance will be on Captain's Walk facing Theatr Brycheiniog.

Powys council's cabinet approved plans to earmark more than £5m to renovate the Brecon landmark and build the library last year.

Learning space

This followed a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) decision to provide £2.5m for the project in July 2013.

The HLF regards the museum as one of the finest examples of early Victorian Greek revival architecture in Wales.

It houses one of the largest art collections in Powys, but the former court and shire hall needs repairs to its stonework and roof.

The proposals also include a dedicated learning space, the expansion of the education and outreach service, and new digital equipment to help with presentations.

The plans will be on show at Brecon library until 28 March.

The main entrance will be along the Captain's Walk thoroughfare