A former weekly newspaper office has retained its historic signage after being transformed into nine new homes.

The old Pontypool Free Press headquarters at Henry Hughes House has officially reopened – with developers keeping the building’s ‘Read the Free Press’ sign in honour of the paper.

Built in 1923, the building was named after Henry Hughes, the owner and publisher of the Free Press.

The office was shut by Newsquest in 2011, and the Free Press is now based at the headquarters of the South Wales Argus, in Newport.

It has since housed a number of businesses, including a taxi firm and a solicitors.

The new homes were officially opened at a ceremony hosted by Bron Afon Community Housing, which was attended by Hannah Blythyn AM, the Welsh government’s deputy minister for housing and local government.

Alan Brunt, chief executive of Bron Afon, said: “We sensitively restored Henry Hughes House, keeping historic features like the iconic ‘Read the Free Press’ sign on the back of the building.

“We have brought the building back to life and created nine bright contemporary, affordable homes in Torfaen, which is a top priority for Bron Afon.”

Bron Afon worked in partnership with Torfaen Council on the refurbishment, which took just over 12 months to complete.

It received funding of £559,480 from the Welsh government’s vibrant and viable places fund.

Ms Blythyn said: “Transformations like the one carried out in Henry Hughes House, will make a big difference to the high street and the town. I’m proud we were able to help.”

“I’m really pleased to see how carefully Bron Afon have brought the Henry Hughes House back to life, and created nine fantastic new homes. We have provided more than £550,000 of investment because we are committed to supporting regeneration work in Pontypool.”