Plans for a major new mixed-use scheme which will breathe fresh life into a large area of Tenby town centre have been lodged with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The development, which has the support of the Design Commission for Wales, will create a substantial number of permanent jobs for the town and deliver a major boost to the hard-pressed construction sector in West Wales.

Applicant South Terrace Properties Ltd. also promises that during the construction phase, emphasis will be placed on working closely with Pembrokeshire College to provide much-needed opportunities for apprentices across a variety of trades.

The developers say the scheme will provide economic benefit and amenities to the town while preserving an historical part of Tenby.

The plans encompass the site of the former Royal Gatehouse Hotel (destroyed by fire in 2008), the adjoining properties Milford House and Kent House, the Royal Playhouse Cinema, land at Clifton Rock and the Royal Lion Hotel.

Previous plans for a similar scheme to redevelop the Gatehouse site and its surrounding area were given the thumbs down by members of Tenby Town Council last February, with the plans being withdrawn before they could be discussed by the development management committee of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

The applicants believe that the development will provide a prestigious landmark building at the town's eastern gateway, on the site of the Royal Gatehouse Hotel, which will be redeveloped to comprise a 68-bed hotel, retail space with on-site parking and 39 apartments.

"The building will provide an example of seaside architecture being preserved and enhanced. The area has been seen by the planning authorities as one in need of substantial improvement," said a spokesperson.

Development of land at Clifton Rock in Greenhill Road/Deer Park will provide 12 apartments, while the listed facade of the Royal Playhouse Cinema will be retained in the new commercial development.

The Royal Lion Hotel is subject to a change of use application to provide 15 luxury apartments and ground floor retail units.

The pledge by South Terrace Properties, a Dovey Group company, to work closely with Pembrokeshire College during the construction and ongoing operational phases of the scheme was welcomed by principal, Mr. Glyn Jones.

"It is vital that Pembrokeshire pulls together to provide an attractive economic future for our young people," said Mr. Jones.

"Developments such as this will clearly deliver a significant employment and training boost and we are delighted that the developer recognises the important role that Pembrokeshire College can play in helping provide the skills necessary."

A spokesman for South Terrace Properties said that the planning application had been lodged following detailed discussions with National Park Authority officials and the Design Council for Wales during 2009.

"The sites concerned are recognised as being in need of considerable upgrading and investment; our proposals provide for such investment by providing welcome new residential, retail and new hotel facilities," added the spokesman.

Architect and planning consultants for the development, C2J Architects, Cardiff, confirmed copies of the applications would be on display at the National Park's office in Tenby.