The conversion of the Corn Exchange pub in Crickhowell High Street could create as many as nine jobs for the town – according to the team leading the project.

They said the work turning the building into new shops and flats ‘should be completed within days’ with two of the retail units let already.

Just under three years since a planning application was submitted to turn the building into a national chain convenience store, the new Corn Exchange will create employment as well as provide much needed new homes for the town, according to the developers.

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd (CEC ltd) say new investors have been contacting them as the project comes to a successful conclusion and existing investors can see what was made possible by their support.

Since their last open day in October, they have received nearly £40,000 of new investments and they now have 255 shareholders. But they said problems at the latter stages of the conversion have put costs up and they still need to raise around £80,000. In the short term, two of the directors have loaned £100,0000 to the company, though they hope to replace this by selling the remaining shares in The Corn Exchange so the company can operate without borrowing.

CEC Ltd’s managing director, Dean Christy, said, “Completing the refurbishment of The Corn Exchange has been a very complicated, lengthy and expensive task. Right up to the end, this historic and much-abused building has thrown up new and unexpected challenges.

“These could not possibly have been foreseen, even with the detailed investigations that we undertook at the start of the project. Our builders, Celtic Property and Lettings Ltd, have shown incredible skill and determination in overcoming them.

Mr Christy said, “Our builder has absorbed nearly £20,000 of additional costs and we have made savings in the specifications. But the final cost of the conversion is now £382,500 – £32,500 over the agreed price. This will bring the total cost of the project, including the purchase price of £300,000 plus VAT to approximately £755,000. When we consider the phenomenal amount of work involved in a relatively short period, and what has been achieved, this is very reasonable.”

Last Thursday, the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies AM, visited The Corn Exchange. He said, “I take my hat off to the people of Crickhowell. It is difficult to think of anywhere else where this could happen. It has all been about putting their money where their mouth is and digging deep to back the town with their own money. And what a fantastic result.”

Dean Christy said, “We are delighted that Andrew so much time out of his busy day to have a personal viewing of The Corn. That fact that this project is attracting the attention of so many demonstrates the interest there is in new and innovative ways of protecting communities – and I would personally like to thank him for that”.

CECLtd say it will take another week or so to finish the painting and detailing.

Tim Jones, media director, said, “This will be a really proud moment. Being part of this amazing project for the best part of three years has taught me so much about the spirit and resilience of Crickhowell. At every stage along the way, there have been people who have been prepared to step forward and volunteer to take on part of the challenge.

“Some of those people have invested money. Some have invested time. Others have brought skills to the table that we could not possibly have afforded had we had to employ them. And we, the volunteer Directors, have been supported throughout by our wives and partners – they call themselves The Corn Exchange widows. We still have more tenants to find and more money to raise, but this task is nearly done. Crickhowell should be really proud.”

The building’s new tenants - zero waste Shop, Natural Weigh, and Odonnell Bakehouse – will be operating pop-up shops for the Crickhowell late night open evening from 5.30pm to 9pm on December 7.

Corn Exchange Crickhowell Ltd will hold an open evening on the same night to show off the remaining shop and the two one bed flats that they still have available for rent.

Anyone who wants any more information can contact the company via email on [email protected]