A derelict former chapel in Machynlleth could get a new lease of life.

Plans have been drawn up to transform the old Capel y Graig (pictured courtesy of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales) into a community arts centre.

Community art group SPACE has applied for permission to convert the building, which has been empty since 2004.

They insist the new facility would not be in competition with other local centres, like the Tabernacle and Owain Glynd?r Centre, but would complement the current arts offering in the town.

The condition of the empty chapel has been deteriorating and renovation work is needed, including the removal of extensive rot and rebuilding of the floor.

Mary Gilbert, of SPACE, said the development would provide a new facility for the town.

A report as part of the planning application lodged with Powys County Council says: “The plan to use it as a community arts centre is to enable it to once again become a resource for the community.

“It would offer a home to artists, musicians, craftspeople, community groups, the elderly, children and those with mental health issues. The space would be a gallery, a venue, a meeting room, a workshop and a shop.

“The vision is that the local community would feel ‘ownership’ of the space and a sense of belonging.”

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now