£800,000 town hall revamp brings new jobs to Aberdare

An £800,000 regeneration project to bring a valleys community's town hall back into use has created new jobs and homes in the town centre.

Aberdare's grade-II listed Georgian building was derelict for years but now houses a coffee shop with flats above.

Rhondda Cynon Taf councillor Paul Cannon said the restoration would have a positive impact on the area.

The revamp was part of the £7.7m Aberdare Town Centre Regeneration project.

Restoration work was completed to emphasise the architectural and historical interest of the former town hall.

Built as a market hall in 1831, the building was later used as council offices before it was bought by a private owner.

It lay dormant for years until 2012 when it was bought at auction by construction firm WH Developments, which drew up a plan with Rhondda Cynon Taf council to bring it back into use.

The council awarded the project a grant to cover 60% of the costs under its townscape heritage scheme, used to improve shop fronts.

The council's deputy leader Paul Cannon said the work had enhanced a landmark building and would have a positive impact on the town.