PONTYPOOL’S oldest building has been given a new lease of life.

The Old Market House, which is in Commercial Street, was built in 1730 and has been used as lots of things over the years, including as a stationers and clothes shop.

The Grade II listed building has now been turned into six new homes and a commercial space, with the official opening having taken place last Thursday.

Rebecca Evans AM, minister for housing and regeneration, attended the event.

She said: “Congratulations to everyone who’s been involved. I know it’s a great undertaking to make something like this happen and also for doing it in a way that’s so sensitive to the heritage of the building.”

Bron Afon’s chief executive, Alan Brunt, said: “We were so pleased the minister could join us to pay tribute to all the hard work that has been put into the tremendous transformation of Pontypool’s historic Old Market House.”

And Councillor Alan Jones, of Torfaen council, added: “The renovation of this building creates six new affordable homes and additional commercial space in the heart of the town.”

Bron Afon worked in partnership with Torfaen council on the project which took more than a year to complete. It received funding of £615,000 from Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places fund and £100,000 from the council’s Townscape Heritage Initiative.