The owners of a local aquarium revealed this week that they have funders on board should they get the backing to transform Tenby's De Valence into a unique visitor attraction.

Russ Spenceley and Ginny Batt, who run Silent World Aquarium and Reptile Collection, delivered a presentation to Tenby Town Council on Tuesday night, when they shared their vision of introducing an iconic state-of-the-art indoor family attraction to the centre of Tenby, should their proposal to lease the pavilion be accepted.

The couple, who have been operating Silent World from a former cemetery chapel at Slippery Back on Tenby's Narberth Road since 1989, told councillors that they now had two high network individuals prepared to fund the project, one of whom had over 30 years experience in the aquarium sector.

They explained that the funders initially wanted to lease the building, but would consider an option to purchase the facility in the future.

Silent World, which is home to an amazing selection of marine life from around the Pembrokeshire coast and many other exotic creatures, will be closing its doors at Slippery Back in October.

The couple also revealed that should their bid to relocate not materialise, then they would continue the educational side of the business by touring around schools and events with a mobile unit.

"It would be a nationally recognised aquarium in the heart of Tenby, attracting new visitors to the resort all year round," explained Russ.

"The coastline is one of Pembrokeshire's greatest assets and we'd be promoting that and also providing an attraction for Tenby to be proud of.

"We are very passionate about the educational side of our work, so the facility would also provide a centre of excellence for environmental education. We're the thinking person's aquarium," he told councillors.

Possible features at the attraction would include - freshwater displays with a Pembrokeshire coast theme; a collection of exotics; state-of-the-art terrestrial displays; bubble tanks; a jellyfish kaleidoscope; a walk through wreck; a public education centre; an underwater restaurant; cafe and shop; and possibly in the future a roof-top development with water and plant features.

The couple also explained their intentions to keep the Mayor's Parlour, which they believed could double up as a wonderful historical classroom, as well as being retained as a chamber for the Mayor and town council.

Russ explained that the building ticked all the boxes of what they were looking for, but one potential stumbling block was that it was not located at sea level, so they were currently in talks with Pembrokeshire County Council over whether a 100-metre pipe could be installed leading to the North Beach to gain supplies of salt water.

The couple did admit that there was also another site, not in Tenby itself, but nearby, that they were also considering, which was at sea level.

However, Silent World's Ginny said that she would like the business to remain in Tenby, as it had long been her home and her family had a long-established connection with the town, as they had originally begun their business on St. Catherine's Island back in 1968 when they ran the former zoo.

"We've been running the business in the middle of nowhere practically for the past 22 years, off our own backs and made it work, so I'm sure it could be an overwhelming success in the middle of Tenby," said Ginny.

"What we've also got on our side is that this whole part of the town is set to get a big lift with the redevelopment of the Gatehouse and cinema, so hopefully we can play a big part in the regeneration of this side of Tenby," added Russ.

Clr. Mrs. Sandra Williams said that the whole presentation came across as incredibly exciting, while the Silent World couple told councillors that they would keep them informed on discussions with the county council.

The following evening, the town council were given another presentation for a further proposal for the future of the De Valence building.

Councillors met with Mr. Tony Harries, of Oswestry, who wants to lease the main hall and the balcony areas of the pavilion for conversion into a two-screen cinema.

The town council would retain use of the offices and council chamber/Mayor's parlour, while the café would also be available for lease to a third party.

Mr. Harries has over 50 years experience in the cinema business and operated the Palace Cinema in Haverfordwest from 1999 to 2003.

Conversion of the hall and balcony, estimated at between £75,000 and £100,000, would require external funding and/or grant aid.

The proposal would be likely create up to eight part-time permanent jobs.

The town council will now consider these two proposals along with further proposals for the future use of the De Valence.