POWYS COUNTY Council (PCC) is looking for more partners to be part of the Y Gaer project, in Brecon.

Brecon’s Y Gaer (Welsh for Fortress) cultural hub is the redevelopment of the Grade II* listed Shire Hall and construction of a new modern library and Powys County Council (PCC) says that the town centre attraction is nearing completion.

The project has been delayed for months and was supposed to have opened last year and then on March 1 this year.

Costs have ballooned to £14.2 million, which is over £5 millon more than expected.

Over the summer there have been discussions with Brecon Beacons College, part of the NPTC Group of Colleges, to bring them in as a partner.

But PCC says there will be no final decision on that partnership until November at the earliest.

The potential partnership was supposed to have been discussed at a cabinet meeting at the end of July and on October 8, but continue to be postponed.

In a joint statement portfolio holder fo education, Cllr Phyl Davies (Conservative – Blaen Hafren), and portfolio holder for young people and culture Cllr Rachel Powell said; “We announced this summer that we were in discussion with Brecon Beacons College, part of the NPTC Group of Colleges, to potentially expand the range of opportunities delivered from the building.

“Although initial discussions have been positive no final agreement has been made and we are inviting expressions of interest from other organisations who may want to become a partner in this exciting facility.”

They added that the construction work was nearing completion, with the final stone cladding panels scheduled for installation .

Artefacts were now being installed in the museum.

Earlier this week concerns were raised by Labour group leader, Cllr Mathew Dorrance (Brecon St John), that the children’s library was  being dismantled to make way for the college.

He asked for more clarity on the  project.

On this issue Cllrs Davies and Powell added: “The final internal configuration of the facility will depend on the partners involved at Y Gaer and no final decision has been made.

“It is unlikely that the cabinet will consider any firm proposals until November at the earliest.

“We understand that concerns have been raised about the children’s library within Y Gaer and can confirm that there is no intention of removing this important space.

“We appreciate the delay getting the facility open is frustrating but it is important that the future configuration and use of this wonderful facility is carefully planned and future proofed.

We want it to be a real asset for Brecon and Powys,” they added.

The Welsh Government and Heritage Lottery Fund have provided almost £4 million in grant funding for the project.

Fears have been raised that the changes being made by PCC could breach grant conditions.