The long-awaited new-look Tithe Barn will “very soon” be ready to play an important part in the life of Abergavenny.

For a long time, worshippers at nearby St Mary’s Church, local residents and visitors have seen the development of what has proved to be a “truly amazing project,” says the vicar, Canon Jeremy Winston.

The barn was bought some years ago thanks to the generosity and confidence of the congregation and the “untiring endeavours” of the St Mary’s Priory Development Trust.

It will house a Taste-of-Wales restaurant to be known as the Food Hall, and there will also be facilities for visitors, pilgrims and tourists along with a fascinating exhibition space tracing the history of the church, the Benedictine Priory and the town and community.

In the learning space, children and adults will be able to share in a hands-on experience provided by local volunteers under the supervision of educational consultant Dr Dominic Prosser.

Father Jeremy writes in the Three Churches magazine that covers St Mary’s, Christchurch and St Peter’s: “The opportunities that are available to us provide an impetus to say to the world, to say to the town and community, to say to children, teenagers and people of all ages and social backgrounds,’Here, you are welcome, here you may find rest, refreshment, insight, understanding, comfort, solace and hope.”