Pictures: Take a peek inside Newtown's £1.5m riverside venue

The Powys County Times popped into the community centre near the Back Lane car park for a special preview before the building fully opens to the public today (Friday, October 21).

The site of the former Radio Maldwyn station has been transformed into a two-storey state-of-the art and sustainable venue overlooking the River Severn and the parks.

Locals and visitors looking for somewhere to stop and enjoy locally sourced food and drink can stop by at the spacious dog-friendly café, or for those on the go can grab a coffee or a quick bite from the hatch at the front of the building.

The cafe area at Hafan yr Afon (Image: Anwen Parry)

The team at Hafan yr Afon (Image: Anwen Parry)

The function room and cwtch area (Image: Anwen Parry)

The 'Cwtch' (Image: Anwen Parry)

Welsh learners at a class held in the function room at Hafan yr Afon. (Image: Anwen Parry)

A spacious function room that’s fully kitted with an audio suite on the top floor offers an ideal setting for community groups, meetings, conferences and even dance classes with its special springy floor. There's also a licensed bar ready for people looking for somewhere different in town to put on a party or mark a special occasion. Around the corner from the function room is the Cwtch area which offers a relaxing spot with comfy sofas, prefect to watch the world go by in the leafy surroundings near the River Severn.

Downstairs there is a small retail area where visitors can buy locally made gifts by wildlife artist K. Fitch and Unique Crafty Family.

Meet the team: Assistant chef Debbie Rees and head chef Seren Charrington-Hollins. (Image: Anwen Parry)

Hafan yr Afon cafe seating area (Image: Anwen Parry)

Meet the team: Mollie George, Operations and Building Manager at Hafan yr Afon (Image: Anwen Parry)

Front of house waitressing team Miles Macdonnell and Amelia Jackson (Image: Anwen Parry)

Hafan yr Afon will be open from 10am from Friday (October 21) and food will be served daily, accompanied by a fine selection of wines, craft beers, teas and coffee.