THE Port of Milford Haven has been given £10,000 to find out whether its plans to develop a Grade II-listed building are financially viable.

A study will examine whether the Port's proposals to transform the historic Quay Stores building into a cafe, retail, and office and community space are appropriate for the area, and would make enough money to survive.

The feasibility study will include speaking to local people, to establish what they would like to see in the building.

The aim is to "explore how innovation can be brought into the new development and identify opportunities for social engagement contributing to the Well-Being of Future Generations Act".

The money has been provided by local action group (LAG) for Pembrokeshire, Arwain Sir Benfro, and administered by PLANED through the LEADER programme.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which in turn is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

The Quay Stores building is situated opposite the entrance to the newly-branded Milford Waterfront, which the Port hopes to transform into a 'destination' for leisure and tourism.

It says the development would create hundreds of jobs in the coming years.

In January, the Port revealed itself as the new owners of the Ward's Yard former shipbreaking yard at Castle Pill,.

The 12.5-acre site had been up for auction with a guide price of £200,000.

Last month, the Port also acquired Metric Property Milford Haven Limited, owner of the long leasehold interest at Havens Head Retail Park.

The purchase cost the Port, which already owned the freehold of the site, £15.3m, and is expected to add approximately £1m per annum to the Port’s operating profit.

Further information about LEADER Arwain Sir Benfro can be found at www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru