PLANS for the proposed re-development of Cardigan's old hospital site have been revealed this week.

Owners Wales and West Housing have pledged to bring low-carbon, eco-friendly housing for older people, offices, community facilities and public walk ways to the location.

The plans include building new offices to the south, linking with the historic Priory House, and creating a regional base for both Wales and West Housing and its in-house maintenance company Cambria Maintenance Services.

There will be a public walk way through the grounds and along the River Teifi.

It proposes to demolish the high stone wall, known locally as the “prison wall” along the gateway at Pont-Y-Cleifion, and reuse stone on the lower boundary walls.

Meanwhile, the grand room on the ground floor of the Nash building would be converted to create a community café, with public access to the original curved staircase.

And the café would be run by a local social enterprise.

Wales & West Housing Group Deputy Chief Executive, Shayne Hembrow, said: “Our architects Gaunt Francis have spent a lot of time researching the history of the site and its relationship with the town, as well as considering the many comments and the feedback received from the public and other stakeholders.

“We are particularly excited by the plans to make the Nash house a focal point for the development and open out the beautiful grounds for use by the public.”

The historic Priory House, built in 1789 by celebrated architect John Nash, will be the centrepiece of the proposed re-development.

Alan Francis, Director at Architects Gaunt Francis, said: “We understand this is an important site to the history of Cardigan.

“The conversions carried out by the health board at the start of the 20th century have not been kind to the building.

"We would demolish the newer hospital extensions to make Priory House stand out as the centrepiece of our development."

Gaunt Francis have outlined plans for 34 apartments homes for older people, and office space for up to 60 WWH staff.

The apartments are designed to reflect the architecture of Priory House and the neighbouring Grade II-listed St Mary’s Church with a courtyard and cloistered walkways for residents.

WWH say the apartments would be rented to local people on Ceredigion County Council’s housing register.

A 28-day Statutory Pre-Application Consultation opened yesterday (Wednesday) and ends on May 19, to give local people the chance to see and comment on the plans.

To view the Public Consultation visit https://www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation/land-at-cardigan-hospital/