The Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy is set to open in the historic Pryce Jones Building this year.

This new academy will provide fashion education and skills training to aspiring designers and adults who are keen to perfect their craft.

The Pryce Jones Building, also known as the Royal Welsh Warehouse, is a site with a rich history in garment making and has seen fashion icons like Laura Ashley and Pryce Jones grace its premises.

The new academy aims to uphold this prestigious legacy.

It will host a variety of part-time courses in sewing, machining, and surface pattern design for adults who are either looking to break into the industry or advance their skills.

Students from Newtown College's Level Three Sustainable Fashion programme will also be welcomed, combining their sustainable practices with creative design.

The academy will be a hub for those pursuing a career in fashion, offering access to a network of potential employers and professional training.

The courses, taught by Newtown College instructors, will provide students with practical design skills and essential business knowledge.

The academy will undergo a full renovation of the ground floor of the Pryce Jones Building.

This will include state-of-the-art equipment and facilities designed to inspire future fashion innovators.

The academy has received £526,603 from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to support the renovation.

The funds were allocated by the Powys SPF Local Partnership Board under its People and Skills theme, with the aim of developing the sustainable fashion sector and continuing Newtown’s textile legacy.

Cabinet Member for a more prosperous Powys and Newtown councillor David Selby said: "I am thrilled to see this iconic building taking on a new lease of life as the home of the Newtown Fashion and Textiles Academy.

"It’s a fantastic opportunity to nurture the talent of our young people and keep the rich heritage of textiles alive in our community.

"This academy will not only inspire the next generation of designers but also strengthen our local economy and creative industry."

Gemma Charnock, vice principal and corporate and group company secretary at NPTC Group of Colleges said: "We are excited to launch the Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy.

"This is a game-changer for our community.

"It will fuse the creative, technical, and business aspects of the fashion industry, ensuring our students are fully prepared for their careers."

There is an official launch event planned for December 4.

It will be an evening of fashion and style, complete with a special exhibition by the Laura Ashley Foundation.

Attendees will also get to see the runway designs of Newtown College students and hear from guest speakers.

For more information about the Fashion & Textiles Academy and how to apply for courses at Newtown College, visit the NPTC Group website.