A historic landmark building in Welshpool will be the home of a Powys fabric business that is set to move in within the next few months.

Ty Hardd Fashion Shop, a curtain maker currently based in Llanidloes, will be moving into its new premises at The Old Coach Chambers, a Grade II-listed former pub on Church Street opposite the Royal Oak Hotel.

The building was owned by Robert and Margaret Langrebe, who put it up for auction in May. Ty Hardd's Karen Geddes is renting the space from the property's new owner.

She said: “I’ve had my eye on that building as the ideal place for my business for so many years. It’s been quite a long time in the making.

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“I loved it as a very historical, attractive building that was readily available at just the right time for my move.

“As a curtain maker it doesn’t need to be a traditional shopfront kind of building. One that’s spacious and nice looking is more what I would want out of a place for my business.

“I’m hoping to move in imminently. There’s a wall in the building that’s having some work done to it and a few extra things that need some attention before I move in, so it’s hard to say exactly how long that will take.

“I would like to move in as soon as possible really. Ideally it would be good to get in before Christmas so I can catch some of the footfall from the busy season.

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“Mostly I’m excited to bring something new to Welshpool and hope to be up and running within the next few months.”

Dating back to the late 17th century, the served as a vital rest stop for travellers between 1765 and 1906 within what was then a historic transportation hub between England and Wales known as the ‘Gateway to Wales’ and went through a big renovation in 1830.

The building was refitted during the 1990s and was used as commercial offices for an estate agent as well as having residential accommodation.

The Grade II-listed building was also once the home to the father of 18th century social reformer Robert Owen. A renowned but complex figure due to his views on slavery, Owen advocated for improved working conditions, reduced child labour, and educational reform.