Parts of Ruthin date back to the 17th Century

The semi-derelict Crown House, a former pub in Ruthin, will provide facilities for business and community use.

"This is an exciting development for Ruthin and surrounding communities and it will provide a much needed boost to the local economy," said Denbighshire council leader Eryl Williams.

"This development will help boost the area's image," he added.

The scheme is expected to attract people from the farming community to diversify and start new companies within Ruthin.

History

"Rural businesses setting up for the first time and looking for office or workshop accommodation will specially benefit from the new units," said Mr Williams.

The building, which will cost �452,000 to remodernise is steeped in local history.

At one time it was home to the Rutters, a London family who owned a distillery in Llanfwrog.

A former county coroner and town clerk are also included in the list of previous occupants.

The building was also a public house run by Rowland Price around 1868 and many visiting judges sitting in the local courts stayed at Crown House when they sat in Ruthin.

The scheme has been financed through Objective One funding.

Ruthin has become a popular destination for some tourists and in May 2002 the town's former jail was reopened after being awarded a �1m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The 100-cell prison began housing inmates in 1654 but had stood empty since its closure in 1916.