BRECON’S currently under construction library and museum could also become a home to the NPTC College, it has been announced.
Powys council called the plans "exciting" and said it would enhance the new cultural and historic attraction, y Gaer which was due to open earlier this year.
The council’s corporate officer for the economy Nigel Brian said: "“We are working on plans to make the fantastic new y Gaer facility even better when the doors open in a few months’ time. We ask residents to be patient for a little longer, we are confident that y Gaer will be worth the wait.
"We are exploring exciting partnership opportunities with Brecon Beacons College, part of NPTC Group of Colleges to expand the range of potential opportunities for the community delivered from the building. Our aim is to provide an exciting base for history, art, culture and learning for the town and surrounding communities."
The college has said it could combing some of its adult and community learning to the museum’s exhibits.
It is also unclear how the proposal could impact on plans, announced earlier this year, for the college to take over two town centre buildings including the current library in Ship Street which is due to close when the service moves to Y Gaer.
The NPTC’s local site is currently the former Coleg Powys campus at Penlan, near Brecon High School.
Mr Brinn said: "By working with the college we have an opportunity to create an exciting and vibrant centre, combining learning, history, art, culture, a library and community services - a truly unique facility for Powys.
“While no final decisions have been made our discussions have been productive. Plans for the collaboration will be initially considered by the council’s cabinet in July.”
Mark Dacey, principal of Brecon Beacons College and CEO of the Group said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Brecon Beacons College to support Powys County Council’s aim of providing what can only be described as an unparalleled facility for the community.
“Continuing to work closely with Powys CC we will be able to offer far more to the people of Brecon and surrounding areas, by tying some of our Adult and Community Learning to the wide-ranging exhibits in the Museum. We will redefine our University Degree programmes to take advantage of the resources that this great resource provides and continue to provide “degrees on your doorstep”.
“We will be able to support local businesses in the town centre by bringing young people and adults into the area on a daily basis, giving a well needed boost to trade. This will contribute greatly to the footfall in the town centre and to the economic prosperity."
Y Gaer has seen the redevelopment of the grade II* listed Shire Hall and construction of a new modern library adjacent to it. The project has been hit by delays and escalating costs with the total having risen from close to £9 million to £14m.