A two-year battle to save the former Corn Exchange pub in Crickhowell is almost over, campaigners said on Monday.

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd (CEC Ltd) is holding two open days on September, 30 and October, 1 from 11-3pm to unveil the newly converted homes and retail spaces to their shareholders, potential tenants and anyone else who may be interested.

The structure of the Grade II-listed former pub has been fully stabilised and a new slate roof installed. The upstairs is being divided into three flats for rent, and the rooms are being rewired and plastered.

CEC Ltd Managing Director, Dean Christy, said, ”After all the challenging work to shore-up the structure of the building, it is great to see the rooms of the three new flats now emerging.

“Instead of this historic building being turned into a supermarket, which would have threatened so many jobs and businesses in the town, The Corn Exchange is being given new life to provide new homes and new opportunities for independent traders. Tribute must be paid to our builders, Celtic Property and Lettings Ltd, for their determination to deliver this project against some incredible challenges.”

“Following our Open Day in July, we had a number of excellent applicants for the retail units which we are in the process of assessing, but we may still have a vacancy. We remain determined to find the right tenants for The Corn Exchange, the company’s shareholders and for Crickhowell and we would still like to hear from anyone else who may be interested,” he said.

The company has now secured official estimates of the rateable values of the shops and the company have said they will be flexible in their efforts to fill the remaining spaces. Mr Christy said, ”We have always said we are prepared to talk about the rents and terms of the leases in order to secure the right businesses for The Corn Exchange. Our shareholders have given us full authority to negotiate on their behalf and we are prepared to be flexible”.

The group would like to hear from anyone interested in renting the one or two bedroom flats. They said they are still on course to complete the conversion by the end of October. And, with more shares available in the company, they say members of the public who are interested in the project are welcome to attend the open days. Anyone who wants more information can contact the company via email on [email protected]