WORK on a £9m redevelopment of Brecon’s Museum and a new library is to start this summer.

Powys council’s cabinet has approved an additional half a million pounds cash injection to the project which has already been awarded a £2.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The decision means demolition of the disused New County Hall building in Glamorgan Street, which is adjacent to the museum that has been closed to the public since October 2011, and other enabling works can get underway.

As well as redeveloping the 174-year-old, grade II star listed Brecknock Museum, the council will build a new library. The site, which the council is calling the Brecon Cultural Hub, will also include community and education facilities and a tourist information base.

Councillor Graham Brown, the cabinet member responsible, said: "This decision re-affirms the council’s commitment to this exciting project which will provide a huge boost to Brecon and the surrounding area.

"While the council’s revenue position is very difficult, low interest rates allow us to borrow money cheaply for many years and this allows us to take some of our important projects forward, including the Brecon Cultural Hub.

"A great deal of work has gone into this project to date through careful planning with designers and building specialists along with our close partnership with community stakeholders, agencies, funders and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority."

The council is putting £5m into the project which is also being supported by financial contributions from the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends, the Brecknock Art Trust and an Army Community Covenant grant.

Cllr Brown said: "I would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund, as major funder, as well as the Brecknock Society & Museum Friends, the Brecknock Art Trust, the Armed Forces Community Covenant and other trusts and individuals who have contributed additional funding, in recognition of their part played in making it possible for this project to go-ahead. Their support as committed partners in the project is second to none.

"The Brecon Cultural Hub will provide cultural public facilities of the highest order offering Powys residents the quality of service they deserve, Powys County Council is proud to continue to back this project."

The council says the work will provide an economic boost to the area through he employment of local trades and apprenticeship opportunities.

Dr Mervyn Bramley of the Brecknock Society & Museum Friends added: "This is a major partnership project with the funding partners contributing £4 million to the project cost and a significant voluntary resource alongside Powys council.

"We are delighted that the council has re-affirmed its commitment and the project budget is now secured. The whole Breconshire community stands to benefit from this 21st century facility, which also be a major attraction for visitors, particularly on bad weather days as these are not infrequent in mid-Wales.

"The existing museum and art collections are of national significance and an important record of our Breconshire heritage - at last these will be on public display again."

Brecon councillor Matthew Dorrance, who addressed the cabinet on the importance of the project to Brecon, said: "I am really pleased that the council has agreed to use its powers and ensure this vital project moves forward in partnership with our community.

"The Brecknock Society and Museum Friends, the Brecknock Art Trust and the Army Covenant have already contributed so much to the Cultural Hub so it is right that Powys Council has backed this up.

"I am excited about the opportunities the development will give Brecon and I am keen to see it help kick start the regeneration of the town, bringing apprenticeships and skills as well as supporting local businesses."

Melanie Doel, Chair of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, said: “This is excellent news and the national park authority is delighted that this exciting project can now proceed. We look forward to working closely with the council and stakeholders in what is a very important development for the town of Brecon."