WORK has begun on transforming the former Cambrian Printers building into a furniture store.

The new owners of the Llanbadarn Fawr property, Hafren Funishers from Llanidloes, are expanding and plan to open their second store in Aberystwyth this summer – creating 25 new jobs in the town.

Hafren Furnishers have been successfully trading as one of Wales leading independent furniture retailers for over 55 years, delivering furniture to homes and businesses far and wide.

Their solid reputation and loyal customer base has grown from strength to strength since the late Mike Morgan spotted a gap in the market to sell furniture at the best prices possible.

Now in the hands of Mike’s two sons, Tim and Paul, the philosophy remains the same – a huge choice of quality furniture at the lowest prices with impartial sales advice and a free delivery service across England and Wales.

Company Director, Tim Morgan said this week: “There is a lot of work to do, but we are planning to be open this Summer.

“The reaction from people locally has been very positive as there isn’t anything like this from Cross Hands to Llanidloes.

“We have listened to our customers needs and are building on the success of the Llanidloes store in formulating our plans for this exciting new venture.

“My father’s business model will remain the same, since it really works in practice so why change it?”.

“We are excited about the new venture, have sourced the ideal location for us, with ample free customer parking and direct access just off the A44 to Aberystwyth.

“We hope to provide a boost to the local community of Ceredigion and beyond in terms of employment opportunities, enhanced retail experiences and bringing what is currently a disused building back to life.

“The feedback and anticipation by the community of Hafren’s plans to date have been immense, we are looking forward to bringing it to fruition with a plan to open by the summer”.

The new store will include an extensive showroom that will showcase many leading furniture and bed brands.

As in the Llanidloes store, there will be a modern bedroom studio with the latest models of beds and mattresses as well as bedroom furniture, lounge/living, dining, conservatory and home office.

The development will include the whole site, including the former bowling alley, with the new store offering free parking for customers outside the showroom.

A former tenant at the Cambrian Printers site, A Blair & Son Bookbinders, has relocated to Glan yr Afon Industrial Estate.

Plans to convert the former Cambrian Printers site into a furniture store were given the green light by planners last year.

Cambrian Printers, which was once part of the Cambrian News, shut its Aberystwyth office in 2020 with the loss of dozens of jobs after a 160-year connection with the town. Pensord, which bought the family firm in 2017, moved the manufacturing part of the business to South Wales, leaving the Llanbadarn building empty.