PLANS to redevelop part of Cardigan’s river front have been submitted to Ceredigion planners.

The idea involves the refurbishment, extension and change of use of Lloyds Wharf warehouse to include a mixed-use development comprising of events space and enterprise zones providing mixed used at ground floor and hostel and spa treatment room at first floor

Lloyds Wharf forms part of the Fforest portfolio and is accessed directly off Cambrian Quay and is currently used as an events space to supplement Pizza Tipi.

The application states: “The ambition is to provide flexible use for the building related to seasonal and longer term demand. Like much of rural Wales, in Cardigan and the surrounding area the population peaks in the spring/summer holiday periods with an influx of tourists.

“This creates demand for particular products and services. By creating flexible use space short term demand and can be capitalised upon for these particular services and products.

The ground floor will comprise of enterprise spaces for small start-up business. These spaces may be used during the closed season for offices, studios, workshops with the potential to become gallery/showroom/retail spaces during the high season. The ground floor will also include an events space and associated facilities.

“The first floor will again have flexible use dependent on the time of year. During the summer months when the demand is high the spaces will be used as bunkhouse accommodation with spa and can revert to low cost office/study space during the winter months when the demand for bunkhouse accommodation is low.

“The ambition of this project is to combine event, exhibition, restaurant and creative production spaces with a form of luxury bunkhouse and work accommodation.

“A revolving repertoire of producers, chefs, performances and events showcasing the best of local. A core team of experienced managers trained at Fforest will run the enterprise with a core of local youngsters working and learning on the job.

“The coalyard will be a vibrant destination unlike any other. It will complement the existing heritage and cultural attractions within the town with a unique offer of food, accommodation, events and fun with the spirit of young enterprise at its core.”

The application has raised several local concerns and was discussed at a meeting of the planning committee of Cardigan Town Council, with councillors opposing the plans ‘pending further information/investigation’.

Councillors said: “Plans are rather vague and time is too short to make a full and proper judgment Town Council does not meet in August and very few local residents were advised of plans.

“Further details would be required, eg. How many bunk-houses? Will public access be retained to slipways and the coastal footpath?”