Historic town centre building set for renovation

A public survey on the future of one of Newtown’s most historic buildings is due to be launched.

The move follows a meeting of Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council’s Strategy and Corporate Projects Committee, where councillors are expected to give the go-ahead for the next stage of the Sarah Brisco House Transformation Project.

According to council reports, the project aims to restore and modernise the Grade II-listed building, home to the Robert Owen Museum and the town council offices. The work is intended to secure the building’s long-term future while improving access and creating new community and cultural spaces.

The public and visitor surveys, to be launched after the committee meeting, will ask residents and visitors how they use the building, what attracts them to it, and what would encourage them to visit in future. The feedback will help guide the design and layout of the renovated building.

Sarah Brisco House opened in 1903 as Newtown’s first public library. It was built on land donated by Frances Arbuthnot-Brisco in memory of her aunt, Sarah Brisco. Designed by architect Frank Shayler, it has been a centre for learning and civic life for more than a century.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded funding for the current phase of work earlier this year. It will cover the early design and consultation stages before a full refurbishment takes place.

The survey is expected to go live after next week’s committee meeting.