BRECON’S former tourist information centre is to be taken over by the NPTC College.

The further education provider has submitted an application to the Brecon Beacons National Park (BBNP) for change of use planning permission for the modern building, in the town’s main Cattle Market car park, that has stood empty since Powys council closed its tourism service in February this year.

A spokesman for Powys council confirmed the college will rent the former TIC building from it on a 25-year lease.

Ahead of the TIC’s closure Brecon Town Council had hoped to take on the purpose built centre from the county council but was unable to come to an agreement on rent. It is believed the council was seeking more than £20,000 a year rent for the building that had been the most visited TIC in Wales.

The college, which has its main buildings in Brecon on both sides of Cerrigocchion Road, near Brecon High School, is seeking permission for what is is know as D2 planning permission for assembly or leisure activities.

The building currently has A2 permission which covers financial and professional services and B1 permission for business offices on the first floor

The application submitted to the BBNP states the college requires D2 planning permission for both floors for a non-residential eduction and training centre with supporting offices.

Since the closure the town council has established a new Visit Brecon tourism service in a smaller unit in nearby Lion Yard.

County councillor Sarah Lewis, whose St Mary’s ward includes the car park, said she was pleased a new use has been found for the prominent building.

The Conservative councillor said: “It’s been empty since February and I think it’s a great shame its been empty and the reason it has been empty.

“I do also think Powys council said very publicly it needs the money and if the money comes in it will be of use to Powys.

“The college will also bring young people into Brecon. We do have to accept change sometimes, don’t we?

“I would have much preferred the tourist information centre to have stayed there but Brecon Town Council adapted and have got the tourist hub down Lion Yard so at least Brecon had a service for the main tourist season.

“The town council could have done so much more with that building but Powys wouldn’t allow it.

“But it is nicer to have a building being used than whitewashed windows and the building is such a focal point of Brecon, it sends a better message out if the building is being used.”

Powys council had said the closure of the TIC (pictured above) was included as part of spending cuts first agreed in 2014.

The NPTC Group of Colleges was unable to comment on its planning application at the time of going to press.