Plans to bring further education into the heart of Brecon have taken a major step forward, with NPTC Group of Colleges announcing the relocation of key courses to the newly refurbished Watton Mount campus.

Students studying Creative Arts & Digital Industries (CADI) and Hairdressing, Barbering and Applied Therapies (HAT) at Brecon Beacons College will be the latest to benefit from the town centre-first strategy, which aims to make education more accessible while boosting the local economy.

The transformation of Watton Mount - a once disused building formerly serving as a tax office and museum store - is the latest chapter in a project first announced in 2022, when Powys County Council transferred the site, along with the former library on Ship Street, to the college as part of a regeneration plan.

In recent years, the college has since made significant strides in establishing a town-centre “university feel” campus. Earlier phases included the rebranding of the former TIC building as “The Cwtch” and a partnership with y Gaer that brought new joint teaching spaces, a library and café, and extended public opening hours.

Now, with Watton Mount fully refurbished, some students will begin relocating before the end of the academic year, while new starters in September 2025 will be taught in state-of-the-art classrooms, equipped with the latest learning technologies.

Mark Dacey, Chief Executive of NPTC Group of Colleges, said the move was about more than new buildings.

“We are thrilled to be moving some of the provision from Brecon Beacons College to a location that truly reflects the high standards of education we aim to provide,” he said.

“The visible transformation of the building has prompted many comments in passing from locals, with many recognising the care that has gone into breathing new life into what was once a tired and underused space.”

The refurbished campus will also become home to the Lee Stafford Academy - the only one in Wales - which offers specialist training in hairdressing and barbering, already delivered at Afan, Newtown and Brecon Beacons campuses.

The project reflects both the college’s long-term commitment to Brecon and the Welsh Government’s Town Centre First policy, which encourages relocating public services to town centres to increase footfall and support local businesses.

Speaking about the building, Mr Dacey said: “We hope it will become a source of local pride once again, generating excitement about its future role in the community.

“With this investment, we’ve secured the building’s future for decades to come, ensuring it remains a vibrant and valued part of the town.”

College officials say careful planning is in place to minimise disruption for staff and students, with regular updates being provided to parents, partners and stakeholders.