Brecon’s new flagship cultural and historic attraction y Gaer will open its doors to the public for the first time in December, Powys County Council has announced.

Work on the town centre facility is nearing completion and the centre, which features a refurbished Grade II listed museum, a new library, art gallery and community facilities, will open to the public on Thursday

December 5.

In a joint statement Powys County Council Cabinet Members, Cllr Rachel Powell and Cllr Phyl Davies said: “We know that y Gaer will play an important part in the county’s future economic and cultural well-being.

The ambitious project has faced huge challenges during its construction, and we know that residents share our frustration at the time it has taken to finish the project.

“We are confident that as soon as the impressive building opens its doors residents will see it was well worth waiting for. The combination of a wonderful Grade II listed building, which has dominated the town

for generations, with a modern stylish addition is eye-catching and a real asset for the county.

Work on the first exhibition at y Gaer is well advanced and details of the first watercolour exhibition will be announced shortly.

Opening in December will mean that the town’s Ship Street Library will have to close in order to move stock and its operation to y Gaer. The service will close at the end of the session on Saturday November 9.

Library users are being reminded that they can borrow up to 20 items on an adult library card, 10 items on a junior card and take extra books to cover the period until y Gaer opens on December 5. Books can also be renewed and borrowed online

to be collected from any of the county’s libraries.

Other services including bus pass applications and council enquiries will be dealt with by the county’s other libraries.

E-books, e-audio downloads, e-magazines and e-comics will be available 24/7 for extra great reading choices from the council’s website

www.powys.gov.uk