THE opening date for y Gaer, Brecon’s £14 million refurbished museum and new library, has been revealed.
The centre, described by Powys council as Brecon’s "flagship cultural and historic attraction", has been beset by problems including cost over runs and delays to its opening date.
But the council has said y Gaer will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday, December 5.
When work to demolish the former New County Hall building, where the library has been built adjacent to the 177-year-old Grade II star listed museum it was anticipated the new centre, then known as a cultural hub, could be open in early 2018.
An opening date for last December and for March 1 this year was also missed while in July the council announced plans to share the facility with the NPTC College which has provoked angry opposition.
The council has said it needs a new partner, either the college, or another organisation to come on board so y Gaer can open for more than 30 hours a week.
In a joint statement Powys County Council Cabinet Members, Cllr Rachel Powell and Cllr Phyl Davies said: "We are confident that as soon as the impressive building opens its doors residents will see it was well worth waiting for. The combination of a wonderful Grade II listed building, which has dominated the town for generations, with a modern stylish addition is eye-catching and a real asset for the county.
"Work on the first exhibition at y Gaer is well advanced and details of the first watercolour exhibition will be announced shortly."
Opening in December will mean that the town’s Ship Street Library will have to close in order to move stock and its operation to y Gaer. The service will close at the end of the session on Saturday November 9.
Library users are being reminded that they can borrow up to 20 items on an adult library card, 10 items on a junior card and take extra books to cover the period until y Gaer opens on December 5. Books can also be renewed and borrowed online to be collected from any of the county’s libraries.
Other services including bus pass applications and council enquiries will be dealt with by the county’s other libraries.
E-books, e-audio downloads, e-magazines and e-comics will be available 24/7 for extra great reading choices from the council’s website www.powys.gov.uk