Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones paid a visit to Abergavenny’s Gunter Mansion on Monday, bolstering regeneration projects currently underway.

The Welsh Labour leader met local contractors and property owners on a Cross Street tour of restoration projects including the historic Gunter Mansion, which was saved through a campaign which crowd-funded £150,000.

Mr Jones was shown detailed and sensitive restorative work by local contractors Alun Griffiths and Anthony Davies — both of namesake local firms — underscoring Abergavenny’s regeneration projects centred on Lower Cross Street.

Renovation efforts are key to increasing footfall to that part of town, and encouraging new businesses to establish there. It is hoped that improving the quality of buildings in Lower Cross Street, including the historically significant Gunter Mansion.

The First Minister said the campaign to save and restore Gunter Mansion was an example of a more sensitive approach to town planning.

“Businesses are part of regenerating town centres. it’s not all top-down, businesses know what they want to see, and that is important. But, also, we help with the regeneration of buildings. Abergavenny has a tremendous amount going for it. Lots of events take place here,” he said.

“What we try and do is work with councils. They’re in the driving seat. We then provide support through incentives.

“I was born in the sixties. So, I have heard plenty of stories where buildings of character were taken down. Not just in Abergavenny, but it happened in many towns in Wales.

“Fortunately, we live in more enlightened times where, instead of seeing old buildings as a problem to be demolished, they’re seen as an asset to be refurbished. I have a rule: any building that won an award in the sixties, has probably fallen down by now! ??“What we do now, is put far more focus on the character of a town centre and work with it, rather than trying to destroy it. Gunter Mansion is a cracking example of that attitude being put into practice.”

Welsh Government’s Welsh Historic Environment Service (Cadw), recently signed a UK wide partnership agreement with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to develop training schemes for the heritage construction sector, and help boost apprenticeship numbers.

Both Alun Griffiths and Anthony Davies work closely with the CITB, placing a high value on training their workforce. Welsh Government schemes such as the Town Centre Loans scheme could also play an important part in funding this project.

Carwyn Jones’ visit coincides with Monmouth Labour Party’s local election campaigns. Two County Council candidates, Peter Marsh Jenks (Grofield) and Tudor Thomas (Priory) met First Minister Carwyn Jones and pledged their support for the Gunter Mansion project.

“Carwyn’s visit shows yet again how Labour is creating jobs and protecting Welsh heritage for the benefit of all,” said Mr Marsh Jenks.

Labour will be standing candidates in all 43 local elections, to be held on May 4.