The first phase of the £6m redevelopment of Saundersfoot harbour which will ultimately create the ‘marine gateway to Wales’ has been launched.

Welsh deputy minister for culture, sport and tourism, Ken Skates was in the resort on Wednesday to officially open Phase 1 of the work, which was finished last month with the completion of the harbour decking over part of the sluice.

The project has also created a new slipway, sea wall, visitor pontoon and dry boat racking facilities.

The £927,000 development was awarded £463,500 European Regional Development Funding and £235,000 via the Welsh Government’s Tourism Investment Support Scheme (TISS).

Mr Skates praised everyone who had worked in partnership to complete this part of the project within such a short timescale, and wished them every success in continuing with “this exciting vision for the harbour”.

He added: “Saundersfoot harbour has long been recognised as one of the jewels in the crown of Pembrokeshire, and this development will help establish a reputation for the harbour as a high-quality international marine destination, and make it an iconic tourism destination for Wales.

“The project will have an impact on employment in the local area, offer a huge benefit to the community, enhance the future visitor experience in Saundersfoot and - perhaps most importantly - provide long-term security for the harbour.”

The second phase of the work will see the creation of a Marine Centre of Excellence on the site of the former Jones and Teague building at the furthest end of the harbour.

The project will be finalised with redevelopment of the Barbeque building - formerly the Saundersfoot Coal Office - as a heritage and information centre.

The future of the building and its surrounding land was recently the subject of a public exhibition in the village where feedback was sought to shape the future work.

Saundersfoot Harbour Commission’s chair, Philip Evans, commented: “The harbour commissioners and I are delighted that Phase 1 of the maritime infrastructure developments have been completed as planned.

"We are grateful for the support of Welsh Government and our partners in enabling the vision of the ‘Sailing Ahead' strategy of The Trust Port of Saundersfoot to be turned into a reality with the aim of attracting additional visitors, creating new full-time skilled jobs and providing tangible economic benefits to the local and wider community.

“The commissioners are now focusing on bringing Phase 2 of the development into being, which will create iconic marine and visitor facilities at the harbour, establishing Saundersfoot as a must-visit location when holidaying in Pembrokeshire.”

The project has also won praise from Wales’ shadow tourism minister, Suzy Davies AM, who said: “The tourism industry is hugely competitive and we need to see more initiatives on a similarly ambitious scale if Welsh tourism is going to achieve its full potential.”