THE Hill Education and Conference Centre in Abergavenny is to become Wales’ first residential ballet school.

Coleg Gwent closed its loss-making facility in Abergavenny to focus resources on its other sites. Now it has agreed in principle to let the site, as part of restructuring proposals, to address funding issues for the 2009/10 academic year.

Entrepreneur Dr Olinga Ta’eed intends to transform the centre into residential ballet school Primo Balletto.

Dr Taeed said: "I am personally excited to think the people of Abergavenny will continue to enjoy this most beautiful building with its magnificent Victorian gardens, and to continue the learning they experienced in this facility with its excellent pedigree of quality education."

College principal Howard Burton said: "It is now in everyone's best interests that the buildings are put back into use as soon as possible. We wish Dr Taaeed every success with the venture."

Mayor of Abergavenny Cllr Douglas Edwards said: “I am absolutely delighted and think it will be great for the community and town as it is bound to bring more people to the area.

“I think the people of Abergavenny will be pleased to see that the Hill is still being used as an establishment for education.”

Abergavenny Chamber of Trade president, Susi Cernoch said: “Ballet is a very niche area compared to what the centre was providing before but it will be good for the area and we are hoping it will be a big success."

Abergavenny Cllr James George added: “It is great news that the centre has been kept for the people of Abergavenny for community use.”

The Primo Balletto school, which has developed from a successful regional ballet school model started in Cheshire in 2003, is expected to open in September. It will employ ex-professionals and qualified registered Royal Academy of Dance teachers and cater for 120 pupils.

Angela Evington, who has taught ballet in Cheshire for more than 30 years, will be principal of the school at The Hill.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news and look forward to the future. This is a real community project and will bring a whole new life to Abergavenny.”