Plans for a multi-million pound scheme for the redevelopment of a prominent site in Tenby are set to go before National Park planners at a meeting next month.
The detailed planning application submitted to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is for a major new residential and mixed-use scheme which will breathe fresh life into a large area of Tenby town centre, say the developers leading the regeneration scheme, Cardiff-based Dovey Estates.
The development will provide a prestigious landmark building at the town's Northern gateway which fronts the entrance of High Street and will include the development of new residential and retail facilities for the town.
"The scheme will preserve an historical part of Tenby and provide benefit and amenities to the town. It will deliver a major boost to the town's economy, enhancing its reputation as a leading visitor destination," said a spokesperson for Dovey Estates.
The development is based on a previous proposal by Dovey Estates, which was delayed when the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, the central element of the scheme, was destroyed by fire.
The current scheme encompasses the site of the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel, and the adjoining properties Kent and Milford House, the cinema, and the former petrol station.
It seeks to recreate the grand style and appearance of the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel which was a focal point of the northern promenade in Tenby.
The Royal Gatehouse Hotel, Kent and Milford House, and the dormant petrol station site will be a scheme providing luxury apartments, and undercroft parking for residents.
The listed façade of the existing Royal Playhouse Cinema will be retained, fronting a scheme with retail space. The former petrol station and part of the yard will provide an attractive town house development.
Keith Chichester, principal of the scheme's architectural and town planning consultants, C2J Architects of Cardiff, said the scheme had been subject to extensive consultation.
"Unfortunately, the fire that damaged the Royal Gatehouse created a considerable delay. However, we have used that period to further refine our proposals and formulate a scheme that is extremely sympathetic to Tenby's heritage, while delivering significant new benefits," he said.
"A secondary scheme is proposed for a major upgrading of The Royal Lion Hotel and Delphi building in South Parade. The Delphi proposal will replace the existing uninspiring building and dramatically improve pedestrian access with a new covered walkway alongside a high-quality ground floor retail scheme with residential accommodation above," added Mr. Chichester.
The upper floors will be developed in conjunction with a local housing association to meet local housing needs.
The plans, which will be discussed by PCNPA's development management committee at their March meeting, were recently given the thumbs down by Tenby Town Council, who labelled certain characteristics of the designs as "non-inspiring" and "aesthetically unimaginative."