The contractor appointed to build the new Newtown riverside venue has been named.
MyNewtown reported on Tuesday that a contractor had been selected, but the cost of the build would be more than the £1.3m funding available.
Pave Aways has been announced as the winning contractor for the project which will be built on the site of the former Radio Maldwyn studio in the Park.
The riverside hub, which forms part of the Open Newtown project, will be completed by early 2022.
But it was reported at Monday's Newtown Town Council meeting that some cost-cutting would be needed because the build costs and the funding did not match.
The former Radio Hafren building has already been demolished and a new two-storey low energy venue will take its place. Community amenities will include meeting rooms, a café, tourist information, a play park and a base for outdoor activities.
Pave Aways, which is opening its second Welsh office in Newtown, will use its Mid Wales based team to manage and deliver the project utilising sub-contractors and suppliers from its supply chain within 20 miles of Newtown.
A 'Meet the Buyer' event will be held on February 26 for businesses interested in working on the project.
Pave Aways’ Managing Director Steven Owen said: “This is an exciting development for Newtown that will be a great facility for local people as well as attracting tourists to the town and providing a boost to the local economy.
“As a business with strong ties to Mid Wales and a pedigree in delivering the highest standard of construction, we’re delighted to be working on this project. We’re committed to ensuring that the community benefits in more ways than one and we will be offering education and training opportunities to young people and those out of work during the build.”
The Riverside Venue is being delivered by Open Newtown, a community enterprise that aims to maximise the potential of the town’s green and blue spaces, in partnership with Powys County Council, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and National Lottery’s Community Fund in Wales.
Funding has been received through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Fund and the National Lottery’s Community Fund in Wales for the build.
Gary Mitchell from Open Newtown said:“Open Newtown is delighted to see the commencement of construction work on the future Riverside Venue site. We’re very happy to have Pave Aways on board as the lead contractors.
"We are all looking forward to seeing the construction work progress and eagerly await the finished building. This will be a real asset for Newtown and the surrounding area, supporting tourism, social enterprises and health and wellbeing as well as being an exemplar for sustainable design and construction.”