A FIVE-SCREEN cinema complex could be on its way to Haverfordwest town centre after property company Fairacre submitted its planning application yesterday (Tuesday).

The proposed development would see a cinema and restaurants built at the site of the current Wilko store.

The developer is in discussions with a number of restaurant and cinema operators.

Fairacre’s application means that two cinema complexes in Haverfordwest have been put forward to Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC), after Conygar submitted its application in June.

The out-of-town Conygar complex would see a five-screen cinema, 60-bedroom hotel and over 600 car parking spaces built at the greenfield site off Thomas Parry Way.

The company estimates that this would create 460 jobs.

Representatives from both Conygar and Fairacre have identified a demand for a multiscreen cinema in Haverfordwest.

Jeannie Pritchard of Fairacre said: "There is currently a lack of leisure provision within Haverfordwest and this new development will create a vibrant evening attraction for residents and those visiting this historical centre.”

Fairacre said that work could start on its project at the end of next year, with a potential opening date of late 2018.

Meanwhile, if it gets the green light, Conygar said that its project would be completed by Easter 2018, to coincide with the opening of a series of blockbuster films.

Now PCC will determine which development to grant planning permission.

With the plans for both having gone on show to the public earlier in the year, Haverfordwest Town Council (HTC) has invited both companies to present them to councillors.

Speaking at a HTC meeting earlier this month, PCC head of highways and construction, Darren Thomas, said it is “a very complicated regeneration matter”.

“At the moment there is no resolution to give money to any development,” he said.

“The current economic strategy says it should be a town-centre site.”

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP, Stephen Crabb, said he supports a new cinema and wants a “viable frontrunner to emerge”.

The Conygar plan has come under fire from Haverfordwest Business Circle (HBC) and Haverfordwest Chamber of Commerce.

Chairman of HBC, Paul Munt, said: “It is too far outside the town centre to improve trade and will put more strain on an already economically delicate town centre.”