BUILDING work has started on a £2 million hi-tech of-fice project which is to create 250 jobs and speed the regeneration of Abertillery town centre. The modern two-storey development is being constructed on the refurbished Abertillery car park in Church Street.

A number of employers are already believed to be interested in occupying the building, including the local heath board and Blaenau Gwent county borough council.

Project manager John Collinson said the building was designed to bring white collar jobs to the area and uplift the aspirations of the local community.

He said: "The building has been designed as a potential call centre. It will house jobs where pay is above average for the locality."

The building's contemporary design is also set to bring a breath of fresh air to the area.

It includes a curved roof and a large area of glass providing stunning views across the valley.

Designed by Swed-ish architects Kavy-thali Design Group, it is hoped to be completed by April 2004.

Mr Collinson said he believed businesses would be moving into the building by early summer.

The project is backed with a £725,000 Regeneration Invest-ment Grant from the Welsh Development Agency.

Blaenau Gwent councillor Dennis Owens, executive member for regeneration, said: "This project provides opportunities for skilled white collar workers and others needed in the service of the economy.

"Once it is occupied, it will bring people into the town and will be a major boost for nearby shops and local services."