Work begins on the Corn Exchange pub this week, after a local group won their fight to keep the building out of big business hands.

Project leaders have revealed that converting the building into shops and flats will be a challenge as early inspections show the Grade II-listed building is, in fact, three buildings which have changed shape over the course of a century. Sections of the building will have to be propped up before work can begin.

The group, Corn Exchange Crickhowell, have hired Brownstone Construction — an older building specialist — for the vital first phase. ??Dean Christy, managing director for Corn Exchange Crickhowell said, “We are totally committed to preserve as much of the historic fabric of the building as possible despite our limited budget and will be working closely with the Brecon Beacons National Park Conservation Officers to ensure that we comply with their requirements.”

The propping up work will start this week and the group hope to finish their exploration of the building by the end of November.

“Gaining planning permission and completing the purchase has been a phenomenal success but has taken a considerable amount of time and The Corn Exchange has stood empty for too long. We are delighted that work is now getting under way.

“As with any large and complex building project of this type, there will be some disruption. There will be skips outside The Corn Exchange and builders’ vans in the High Street. We can only apologise for this and promise to do everything we can to minimise the impact on Crickhowell.

“However, this is a very challenging project indeed and the building will no doubt have more surprises for us as we strip back whatever is covering the structure. And we are determined to be as sympathetic to this historic building as possible within our limited budget,” said Mr Christy.

The construction of flats and shops — which are reserved for independent traders — is hope to be complete by Autumn next year.

Most of the former pub furniture has been donated to the town’s football club for a refurbished lounge room. Players at the club used to drink in The Corn Exchange before it closed.

The group has committed to provide shareholders, local shopkeepers, as well as the general public, with regular updates on progress.