AN “iconic” building in the centre of Cardigan – the Markethall – will still have access to nearly £1millon funding after Ceredigion County Council agreed to plug a funding gap.

The Cardigan Building Preservation Trust has until August 19 to draw down European funding of £990,000 but it was reliant on a capital funding grant of £500,000 which had been turned down by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Today, (Tuesday, July 30) Cerdigion’s cabinet agreed to ensure the project goes ahead to develop a full restoration and enhancement of the Grade II* listed building by contributing £460,000 of capital funding.

Ceredigion County Council owns the building and it is run by Menter Aberetifi, with the overall cost of the transformation project estimated to be around £1.49million.

Cllr Lyndon Lloyd said the building was “iconic not just in Ceredigion but in Wales.”

Plans include re-roofing the building and replacing the roof lantern glazing system, demolishing the adjacent public toilets to build an access tower with lift and stairs, new disabled access, renew market stalls, rewiring, underfloor heating and including renewable energy components.

Local member Cllr Catrin Miles added that the local community was supportive of the scheme to enhance the “unique” and “lovely” building, which she said was one of the first to be built in modern Gothic style by John Ruskin.

A long-term lease at a peppercorn rent would be agreed and the Trust would also take over the public toilets at Greenfield Square.

Cllr Keith Evans said there were other buildings that would benefit from such financial boosts and reminded cabinet there had been plans to sell the hall off in the past.

Without the council’s funding the Trust “wouldn’t be able to undertake any of the work at all and possibly the costs would come back on us as owners of the property even though it’s on lease," said Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn.

“If it’s a chance to draw down £1million for a listed building in our ownership then we have to take a sensible stand,” she added.