A Welsh Government minister has praised the transformation of Llandrindod Wells’ iconic Automobile Palace into a state-of-the-art business centre, highlighting its positive impact on local businesses and communities across Mid Wales.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, visited the building last week and commended the £3.1 million redevelopment, which has created 11 modern business units.

The project received £1.585 million in funding from the Welsh Government and £550,000 from the UK Government to help acquire and sympathetically restore the building, preserving its history and original architecture.

“It was wonderful to visit Llandrindod Wells and see the positive impact our regeneration investment is making across Mid Wales for local businesses and communities,” said Ms Bryant.

“It’s so important that we’re sensitive and take real care when restoring buildings like the Automobile Palace so they’re not only brought back into active use but retain the original character that makes them so special.

“This project really exemplifies what we’re trying to achieve across Wales and I’m looking forward to seeing the different types of businesses that make the Auto Palace their new home.”

Last year, the renovation work was completed, transforming it into a modern business centre. The project included repairing the distinctive faience cladding, restoring the stone lion statues on the roof, and upgrading the building's roof, insulation, and window frames. Inside, the building was refitted with new office spaces, improved fire safety systems, and enhanced facilities, including updated heating, lighting, and ventilation, along with extended toilet facilities on both floors.

A key consideration of the redevelopment was ensuring the National Cycle Museum could remain in the building.

Leader of Powys County Council, Cllr James Gibson-Watt, said: “We are very grateful to Welsh Government for the £1.585 million in funding they put towards this project through their Transforming Towns programme.

“It is a significant contribution towards the £3.4 million cost of buying and refurbishing the iconic Automobile Palace.

“It’s great to see it back in use as a business centre, with five of the 11 units now let, and all of the lion statues back in pride of place on the roof.”

The building was upgraded and made more energy efficient thanks to the work of the council’s Property Design Services and Welshpool-based contractor SWG Group.

Speaking last year, Julian Kirkham, director at SWG Group, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to help preserve and improve one of the most recognisable buildings in Powys and look forward to working on more projects like this with the county council in the future.”

The Automobile Palace was built between 1906 and 1911 by transport pioneer Tom Norton, who later extended in 1919.

It was initially known as ‘The Palace of Sport’ but the business name was changed from Tom Norton Ltd to The Automobile Palace Ltd in 1925.

Any businesses that are interested in renting one of the units at the Automobile Palace should contact the county council at: [email protected]