New jobs and homes have been created in an £800,000 regeneration project to restore Aberdare's grade-II listed Georgian town hall.

The hall, which had been derelict for many years, now houses a coffee shop and flats.

The restoration was part of the £7.7m Aberdare Town Centre Regeneration project.


Built as a market hall in 1831, the building was later used as council offices before it was bought by a private owner.

It lay dormant until 2012 when it was bought at auction by construction firm WH Developments, which drew up a plan with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to bring it back into use.

The Council awarded the project a grant to cover 60% of the costs under its Townscape Heritage scheme, used to improve shop fronts.

The Council's deputy leader, Paul Cannon, said the work had enhanced a landmark building and would have a positive impact on the town.

(MH/JP)