Work has began to demolish old government buildings and create business units in Lampeter.

The £3.2m project to redevelop the Canolfan Dulais has got under way thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund investment and Welsh Government Targeted Regeneration funding.

Tai Ceredigion – which purchased the building from University of Wales Trinity Saint David in March 2018 – revealed the exciting new plans to demolish the old government buildings in early 2019.

The existing structure had poor insulation and the heating system was not fit for purpose.

The new plans will create modern eco-friendly business units, particularly for SMEs and businesses, charities and organisations working in the social care sector. The new centre will also have a teleconference facility that will be able to be hired out.

Ceredigion County Council officers supported the Canolfan Dulais project by encouraging the development through funding applications. The council also plays an advisory role on the project and represents the project in discussions with funding bodies and the regional partnership.

Contractors TR Jones of Ammanford started on site on 13 January with work under way to demolish the current building.

Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, council leader, said: “We see Canolfan Dulais as a real priority for the local and regional economy. We must create modern spaces for local businesses to use and grow.

"The social care sector is short of capacity in the area where we see a growing demand. We are confident that Canolfan Dulais will be an important step towards growing the sector.”

See this week's south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday