Waterfront vision set to bring new hope to town (From Western Telegraph)

Waterfront vision set to bring new hope to town

AN EXCITING VISION for Pembroke Docks waterfront is being promoted this month through the UK's commercial property and yachting publications.

A proposed marina - which would hold between 400 to 500 boats behind a sea wall - would stretch from the Gun Tower in Front Street to the Celtic Sea jetty.

The surrounding land, including the Western Way car park, would transform into a modern harbourside development with attractive housing and apartments.

The vision is being promoted by a consortium, which includes Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Development Agency (WDA), Milford Docks Company, Milford Haven Port Authority and The Crown Estate.

It could act as a catalyst for further development. Besides the national advertisement campaign, the consortium has put together a development brochure, which is being mailed to major marina developers, property developers, commercial property agents and engineering consultants.

The hope is to attract a private sector development partner, who can work with the consortium to deliver the vision over the next five years. Interested developers are being asked to make a submission by the end of August. Depending upon the response, the consortium would invite up to three preferred companies to do further work before a final choice of developer is made in October or November. One suggestion that will attract local interest is to use the outside of the proposed wall as an additional quay and berth, capable of receiving visiting cruise liners.

Said Ted Sangster, general manager of the Milford Haven Port Authority: 'The port is continuing to be promoted internationally for this business and there is now every prospect of the Haven receiving regular visits. 'A new berth proposed to be part of the Pembroke Dock development could provide the type of facility required to cater for such vessels. 'The growth of the leisure use of the waterway is an important part of the long-term business plan for the port. A marina at Pembroke Dock would be a key component.'

Mike King, the WDA's regional director for West Wales, said he was looking forward to seeing what response was received to the current promotion.

'I know the vision is one that has been part of the thinking for the future of the town for many years. Now, I hope, will prove to be the right time to attract a quality commercial interest.' While acknowledging that the closure of the ITV Digital operation had been a set back, he remained confident that the call centre would soon be building back to be a major employer. The WDA and the county council were also working to further develop the Cleddau Bridge Business Park and the potential for attractive waterfront apartments in the town could complement these efforts. He added that the aim was to target well-paid jobs in e-commerce and technology and, with such a waterfront, the town would offer a very competitive and attractive lifestyle. County Councillor Brian Hall, the authoritys cabinet member for environment and transportation, said it was a top priority to achieve this waterfront development.

'West Llanion Pill is one of the least environmentally sensitive parts of the waterway and therefore the best location,' he said. The potential economic impact on Pembroke Dock would be significant. 'It would also complement the investment now taking place through the Lotterys Townscheme Heritage Initiative, which is transforming some of the towns historic buildings.'

His county council colleague and local ward member, Councillor Viv Hay, welcomed the news that the proposal was so firmly on the agenda. He thought the town should prove attractive to private investors when they had the chance to see what it had to offer.