THE transformation of the former Corn Exchange pub in Crickhowell High Street into three new shops took a big leap forward this week when new display windows were installed – giving potential shopkeepers a first sight of how the new retail units will look when finished.

It’s hoped the building can now be rendered and the scaffolding removed in the next two weeks – in time for two open days at the end of the month.

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd (CEC Ltd) – who are converting the building on behalf of 245 mainly local shareholders – said the new windows were “vital” to businesses who want to move in.

CEC Ltd managing director Dean Christy said: “These new shopfronts will give shopkeepers a superb showcase onto a prime position on Crickhowell High Street. We are really moving forward now and we hope that in the next two weeks, the new face of The Corn Exchange will emerge fully.”

CEC Ltd are holding two open days – from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1 – to showcase the shops and the three new flats being created above.

The builders, Celtic Property and Lettings Ltd, will be wiring out the flats and installing kitchen units. They hope to have at least one shop unit nearly completed, too.

CEC Ltd’s communications director, Tim Jones, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming prospective shopkeepers, flat-hunters, share holders, potential investors and anyone else who would like to get involved in this fantastic community-led project.

The conversion has caused disruption in the High Street but we hope people will think that it is worth it when they see how we have been able to protect this historic building and convert it into desirable homes and shops.”