A DERELICT building is set to get a new lease of life thanks to a £500,000 restoration project.

Described as one of Torfaen's iconic buildings, the Corn Bin in Abersychan was built in the early 1900s as a bakery.

Now, with the help of the Heads of the Valleys Sustainable Regeneration Fund, it will be transformed into a "green" centre helping businesses and schools in Torfaen.

The first phase of the project has begun this week with weather-proofing to protect the building from the elements.

When completed, the Centre for Sustainable Construction will be managed by Torfaen County Council.

Experts will be on hand to provide support for existing businesses and those interested in establishing organisations relating to the growing micro-renewable energy sector.

It will also provide education facilities for schools to enable pupils to learn about sustainable living.

Home wind turbines, solar panel heating and insulation products will be on view.

Over three floors, the building will be a benchmark for the installation of low-carbon features in an older building, say those behind the project. Micro-renewable sources of energy will provide the power.

Councillor Neil Lewis, executive member for regeneration, said: "We have spent a long time planning the restoration of the Corn Bin and it's great that this funding was secured and work has now started."

Leighton Andrews, the Assembly's deputy minister for regeneration, said: "The Corn Bin is an excellent example of regenerating an important old building that is part of the local heritage.

"Not only will it be preserved for community use, its sustainability will make it an example of how a building can be adapted to meet the standards of the 21st century."

He added the Heads of the Valleys initiative was steadily making an impact throughout the area.

It is a long-term £140 million regeneration programme aimed at benefiting communities in the area including Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.