The centre's makeover has cost about �500,000

Maesyrhandir Youth Centre in Newtown, which was built in the 1960s, will be used by 11 to 25 year olds.

It will include a caf�, a non-alcoholic cocktail bar, a pool room, indoor and outdoor sports areas and a kitchen.

A survey by Powys Council last year found that it was in a seriously poor condition and councillors voted for the improvements soon afterwards.

The decades had taken their toll on the 40-year-old building and the roof and windows needed replacing.

As part of the project another youth centre, at the town's Old College, closed earlier this year with staff and resources switching to the new facility in Maesyrhandir.

'Desperately needed'

Gemma Cartwright, senior area youth worker with Powys Council, said: "This is a massive boost for the young people of Newtown and the surrounding areas.

"The new centre will offer a brand new environment that young people can feel safe in, with support, information and advice at hand, as well as up to date equipment, facilities and a programme offering a variety of activities to suit the needs of the young people."

Newtown mayor Elizabeth Sheriff said a new youth centre was "desperately needed" in the town.

"I hope it will be used by young people from throughout Newtown," she added.

"It will help keep them out of the pubs and give them an interest. It will be somewhere where they can meet their friends and have a chat over a coffee."

Other town sports facilities, such as a sports centre, are located near the refurbished centre.