The �15m scheme could revitalise the town

The plan involves moving existing businesses in the centre to a new edge-of-town park.

The �15m project to develop the town centre Pwllhai site has been put forward by developers Eatonfield Holdings.

It would include an Argos store, a multi-storey car park for 150 vehicles and a discount food outlet.

The move comes two weeks after the �500,000 sale of Cardigan Castle to Ceredigion Council, who aim to develop the monument as a visitor attraction.

I think these plans to develop the centre of Cardigan are very exciting and is just the sort of thing the town needs David Grace, Menter Aberteifi

A �6.9m project to renovate Theatr Mwldan is also under way.

These projects are providing an economic boost to the town which was hit hard last year when 325 workers were made redundant by the Dewhirst clothes factory.

Rejuvenation

David Grace, a town councillor and vice-chairman of Menter Aberteifi, a group set up to help rejuvenate the town, has welcomed the latest venture.

"I think these plans to develop the centre of Cardigan are very exciting and is just the sort of thing the town needs," he said.

"From what I've seen the Pwllhai development will be a tastefully designed shopping mall which will help bring more shoppers and visitors into the centre of Cardigan."

The proposed development by the Holywell-based company will involve the demolition work and moving some businesses to a five acre site north of Cardigan.

Developer Robert Lloyd says the proposal will go before planners shortly

Businesses affected would include the Farmers Co-op and a veterinary practice.

The town centre shopping mall would include Woolworth's, Argos, a national discount store as well as 15,000 sq feet of county council offices.

According to Eatonfield Holdings Ltd's managing director, Robert Lloyd, the site would also house a multi-storey car park and some housing units.

The project depends on a sewerage and drainage system upgrade, but it could begin within a year.

"Once we have started the project should take about 18 months to finish," said Mr Lloyd, adding that his company was liaising with the Welsh Development Agency and other groups to get the scheme off the ground.

"The project is very much a team effort for the good of the town," he added.

Mr Lloyd said it was too soon to say how many jobs the scheme could create.

A detailed planning application for the two sites will be submitted within three weeks.