Plans for the construction of a new enterprise park in Talgarth have entered their first phase with the construction of a new Co-op store scheduled for early 2023.

The ambition to build the enterprise park has long hinged on the touted plans to move the Co-op from its historic location at Liverpool House in the Square, to a larger location, at Council Highway’s Yard.

The relocation project officially began this week, on Monday, December 5, with the demolition of the old Council Highway Yard, which will become a new larger Co-op store by the summer of 2023.

Commenting on the demolition of the former Powys County Council Highways Depot at Talgarth, Cllr William Powell said: “Over more than two decades, the former Powys County Council Highways Depot at Talgarth has fallen into dereliction and at last things are set to change.

“It is a real opportunity, especially against the current economic background, to see the plans for Parc Menter Talgarth/ Talgarth Enterprise Park taking shape, starting in the first phase with the construction of a new Co-op store for Talgarth in the first half of 2023.

“Along with Talgarth Town Council, Talgarth and District Regeneration Group, and others who care about our town, I am keen to see this project proceed, whilst actively supporting the commercial reinstatement of the soon-to-be-vacated Co-op premises at Liverpool House in the Square.

“Change is always challenging but this project presents our town with a real opportunity to reinvent itself, all the more important in these current turbulent times.”

The former highway yard is set to undergo changes that will see it redeveloped to provide four new 1000 square foot commercial units to let, as part of the reconstruction.

As for the existing Co-op store in the market square, it is expected it will be refurbished as part of the enterprise park so that it can become a much more valued retail and commercial premises for local companies.