A ‘new beginning’ for one of Narberth’s much loved buildings has begun this week, as work started on the development to transform the town’s former community school site.

Proposals for the conversion and redevelopment for two retail units, one to be for food and drink, and a library, including minor demolition, was was unanimously approved last year.

The plans also include eight three-bedroom houses and three one-bedroom apartments above the library and one of the retail units.

With work on the site starting on Monday (January 25), the ‘Friends of Narberth Old School’ - a group of local people who have campaigned tirelessly and worked hard to preserve the Victorian school building in the heart of the town, shared on Facebook: “Well, it’s been a long time since we posted here, but we are more than happy to tell you that work on the Old School starts.

“A new beginning for such a loved and important building!”

They also added - “Don’t worry, the rainbow will be saved!” in reference to the colourful mural made on the building last year by Narberth’s very own ‘rainbow fairy’ Diana Brook and Pembrokeshire graffiti artist ‘Lloyd the Graffiti’.

On the development work commencing, a spokesperson for the ‘Friends of Narberth Old School’ said: “We realised the importance of the building for the community as we all as individuals held it dear in our own hearts.

“When the CP school moved to new premises and the old school was put on the market, we campaigned against its demolition and presented a petition to Pembrokeshire County Council stating the communities wish to preserve the building and keep it for the community.

“Narberth Consortium was established from a group of local business owners who also believed the building held a special place in Narberth, and along with Friends of Narberth Old School were able to convince PCC that the school should remain intact.

“The Consortium were able to buy the old school site in the understanding that they provided space for a new library with room for community use within the site.”

Local butcher Andrew Rees who along with business partner Charles Salmon submitted the proposals by the consortium last year, said: “It’s in a prime position and is really going to make such a difference to the town.

“It would have been too much of a risk to create around 10 or 12 new shops in this day and age, so we’ve gone for one shop and a food outlet adjacent to the new community library building.

“It’s a nice big retail area, around 120 square metres, in a prime spot, and there have been quite a few enquiries.

“We’re hoping that a local operator will come forward for the food outlet, possibly for something like a restaurant or wine bar or similar.

“We’re starting on sandblasting the old building and there will be some soft stripping going on inside and demolition of the newer school extension. It’s great to get going on the work at last,” he added.