Revamp plans for town go on show

An architect's impression of the development in Welshpool from 2006

Ambitious plans to give a Powys town a multimillion-pound facelift have gone on display.

The scheme in Welshpool is the second phase of a project to re-develop a nearby livestock market, which could bring 250 jobs to the area.

Welshpool town council claimed the proposals to develop the town could create hundreds of additional jobs.

In a bid to breathe new life into the area it is thought a new hotel, shops and commercial units could be built.

Details about the second phase of works will go on display at the town hall between 1000 and 1900 GMT.

More than 1,000 people have asked for their ideas and opinions about how Welshpool should be developed.

'Credit crunch'

Once the plans have been displayed, town councillors are expected to decide on final proposals to be submitted to Powys council.

Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates said he was looking forward to seeing the proposals.

"The future looks very exciting for Welshpool," he added.

"We're going through financial difficulties at the moment with the credit crunch, but when we get through it Welshpool will be ideally placed to take advantage of an improved economic situation."

Last week, supermarket chain Tesco unveiled its vision for the livestock market.

Plans for the market were unveiled in 2006 when four of the UK's leading supermarket groups were originally in talks with developers.

The initial plans included room for other smaller retail units and a restaurant. Residents were given the chance to view the proposals in May 2006.

Meanwhile, building work has started on a new livestock market on the outskirts of town in an area known as Buttington Cross.