£millions boost for birthday town (From Western Telegraph)

£millions boost for birthday town

Pembroke Dock is to be the centre of six weeks of spectacular celebrations next year to mark the town's 190th anniversary.

And it is hoped that these will be linked to at least one royal visit, the laying of the foundations of a five-star hotel, the launch of a multi-million pound marina, retail and residential project, and regeneration of the area.

The finale will be a fantastic waterfall fireworks display off the Cleddau Bridge. Improved road links are crucial to developments in Pembroke Dock and the Angle peninsula.

News is eagerly awaited on the funding and starting date of the 'Regeneration Road', which will provide a vital by-pass for Pembroke. This could boost hopes for development at the former Pembroke Power Station.

Several companies have already expressed interest in the 800 acre site and one firm is specifically looking at the waterfront area as a potential dry docks.

Early next year will see the start of improvements to the Nash Fingerpost to Bangeston road on the A477, completing the last link of the Southern Corridor route to Ireland via Pembroke Dock.

This would be of particular benefit to Irish Ferries' transport, especially commercial vehicles, due to increase by over 25% over the next 12 months.

Pembroke Dock is also looking forward to the go- ahead for plans for a 600-berth marina for Front Street. It is hoped that this development could be enhanced by a multiplex cinema, roller skate rink and bowling alley, as well as a McArthur Glen retail centre, and residential development.

Talks are currently taking place with the developers of a proposed five- star hotel on a nearby site in the town, and other projects include hi-tech businesses, said local county councillor and cabinet member Brian Hall.

Current developments at the Dockyard involve the refurbishment and conversion of the old Dockyard Chapel into offices, while the Market Hall is being given a revamp and will house the market and educational facilities. "There's a lot happening in the Pembroke Dock and Pembroke area," pledged Councillor Hall.

A public meeting to start the ball rolling and bring together local organisations and businesses for the 190th anniversary celebrations is being held at the Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, on Friday at 7pm.