ONE of Cwmbran’s most historic buildings was officially reopened as a rural heritage centre on Tuesday.

A £3.5million project to restore the listed Llanyrafon Manor, one of the oldest, nonreligious buildings in Torfaen, has taken specialist contractors more than a year.

The restoration work was funded by several organisations, including the Rural Development Plan and Cadw, and spearheaded by the Llanyrafon Manor Community Group and Torfaen council.

Visitors can learn about the manor’s history, observe bats that have set up home in the grounds and use a new café.

The leader of Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington, said: “This magnificent building has been completely transformed and it is now a facility the community can be truly proud of.”

Alun Davies, the Welsh Government’s deputy minister of agriculture, food, fisheries and European programmes, unveiled a plaque to mark the reopening.

He said: “I hope that people of all ages will benefit from the recreational and educational opportunities on offer and the history of the building will also attract visitors from further afield.”

The building will open to the public in May.