A DERELICT former pub has been given a new lease of life as part of multi-million pound plans to transform Pontypool town centre.

Following a six-month refurbishment project, the former Greyhound Pub in Pontypool, has been converted into four flats and a modern commercial space, with the exterior completely refurbished.

The joint project was carried out by Torfaen County Borough Council, Bron Afon Community Housing, the Welsh Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Since 2008 various projects have sought to rejuvenate the listed building, including a bid for a bistro-style bar in 2013, but none failed to get off the ground.

After remaining vacant for almost a decade, the former pub will officially re-open on Wednesday, September 28.

Chief executive at Bron Afon Community Housing, Duncan Forbes, believes that providing affordable housing and generating training and jobs for local people are “high priorities for Bron Afon”.

“The Greyhound project was a golden opportunity for this to happen and I’m really proud to say that along with our partners, we achieved it,” he said.

“To look at the building now and witness the amazing changes that have taken place is a credit to everyone who’s had a hand in its transformation.

“It’s a great bonus for Pontypool and will kick start similar projects in the future.”

The Pontypool Townscape Heritage Initiative has received approximately £2.5 million funding to deliver a series of external repairs, renewals and internal refurbishments to the town centre.

This includes funding from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s ‘Targeted Match Fund’, the Heritage Lottery, Pontypool Regeneration Partnership and Torfaen County Borough Council.

Executive member for regeneration at Torfaen CBC, Cllr Lewis Jones, added: “The Greyhound has been derelict for many years now so it is fantastic to see that this building is being given a new lease of life and brought back into use.

“As well as revitalising the building, creating new residential premises in the heart of the town will bring much needed footfall for local traders.”

The Pontypool Investment Fund has also been funded by Welsh Government’s ‘Vibrant and Viable Places Programme’ which will see £1.5 million invested in a series of projects in Pontypool town centre.