A former Starbucks in Aberystwyth is set to receive a new mural depicting the town as its independent successor prepares to remove the last traces of the coffee chain.

Scaffolding has been erected outside the popular wine and pastries hotspot, Gwin y Môr, on Great Darkgate Street, ahead of work to redecorate the exterior and restore features of the building.

Owner Zac Marsden told the Cambrian News the refurbishment would mark a new chapter for the premises while improving the appearance of the top of town. He said the work would remove “the last elements of the building’s Starbucks past” and embrace its “independent future”.

The business has secured an Aberystwyth Townscape Enhancement Scheme grant to help fund the project.

The Ceredigion County Council scheme, backed by the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, supports improvements to commercial properties in the town centre. Grants can cover 70 per cent of eligible work, up to a maximum of £20,000 per property.

A centrepiece of the refurbishment will be a mural designed and painted by Dean Tweedy, of Marvellous Murals. The artwork will feature a map of Aberystwyth highlighting key locations around the town. Dean recently completed another mural on the front of Aberystwyth’s Market Hall.

Zac said Ceredigion planning officers had been consulted throughout the process and pavement licences obtained for the scaffolding.

He reassured customers that the work would not affect the business inside, which continues to serve coffee, draught beers and cider, local pastries and more than 30 wines by the glass, in a comfortable environment overlooking the Millenium Clock Tower.

“I’m really excited about this project and the new independent life we are breathing into this part of town,” he said.

The work comes as Aberystwyth Town Council is also progressing separate improvements around the town, including new signage, planters and lighting.