THE PONTYPOOL Development Trust is celebrating today after successfully purchasing the former Barclays Bank building in Pontypool Town Centre.

Between August 1 and 31, the Trust is inviting potential businesses, social enterprises and community organisations who are interested in renting the building to submit proposals to them.

This Grade II listed was originally built in 1893 as the London and Provincial Bank Ltd and was acquired by Barclays in 1918, who operated it for almost 100 years.

In October 2017, the bank closed its doors.

Trustees picked up the keys for the building at the end of June and are keen to find someone who will use the building to benefit the whole of Pontypool.

The Trust is a limited company and registered charity set up by a group of residents and business people who set out to use their knowledge and expertise to help regenerate Pontypool.

Mark Gregory, chair of trustees and owner of Bread of Heaven in the town, said: “Our small town has so much heritage and we wanted to do our bit to help preserve that by finding sustainable uses that meet the needs of our local community.

“The Barclays Bank building has huge potential. It is iconic and deserves to have a great end use.

“We as a Trust have big plans but we’re going to have to rely on the help and support of the local community if we’re going to be able to deliver them."

Anyone interested in submitting a proposal for the building should contact David Leech on 01495 766084 or Dawson Evans on 01633 648836 for a tender pack.

Likewise, anyone wanting a discussion about becoming a trustee or volunteer should call David or Dawson.