More than 200,000 visitors are expected at this year's event

It has been designed as a 'statement' building leading to the show site at Llanelwedd, home to the event since 1963.

The building, stone faced with a slated roof, incorporates twin towers - one at each end of the structure.

Located near a roundabout at the junction of the A483 and the A470 roads, it includes offices and a police centre for use during the show and will have 14 entry and exit points.

"This project is a long-awaited improvement," said show chief executive, David Walters.

This project is a long-awaited improvement Royal Welsh chief executive David Walters

"The site has been substantially developed over the years and is now one of the finest of its kind in Europe.

'Magnificent'

"At last we shall have such a building and it will be in place in time for the centenary show."

Members and supporters of the Royal Welsh in Old Monmouthshire led the fund-raising, collecting £106,000.

Work started on the project in March and will be ready in time for the opening of the show on 19 July.

"It was a magnificent effort on the part of Old Monmouthshire particularly since they raised the money in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis," Mr Walters added.

The arts centre will celebrate the Royal Welsh's centenary

Meanwhile, a centenary concert is held on Saturday near Aberystwyth to mark the town's close links with the Royal Welsh Show.

The show was held in Aberystwyth for the first six years of its existence.

The concert will be at Fferm Cwmwythig, Capel Bangor, and compered by radio personality Dai Jones.