Cinema, hotel bid for town centre

The developers say the proposal would revitalise the town centre

A developer wants to build a leisure and retail complex on council-owned land in an Anglesey town centre.

The proposal would involve a 60-bedroom hotel, bowling alley, cinema, restaurants and shops in Llangefni.

St Malo wants the council to sell the land and says the development could "revitalise" the town centre, as well as help fund a new road.

The council said it had yet to see the proposal and speculation about the site's future was "premature".

It said no decision had yet been taken on the possible relocation of one of two schools on the proposed site.

Community facilities

Gwyn Pritchard-Jones, chairman of St Malo, said: "It would be a boost for Llangefni, which is dying on its feet, it would create new jobs and also provide capital receipts for the council which could be used for a new semi-orbital road."

The company, which is part of Bob Parry and Co Ltd, has not submitted a planning application.

But it wants the council to consider selling the land at Ysgol y Graig and Ysgol y Bont in a type of "beauty contest" for the best development proposals, which could raise £10m.

We would not tie ourselves to any one developer, without testing the market Anglesey Council

The scheme, which would include community facilities, would cover more than nine acres between Stryd y Bont and Industrial Estate Road

The company has already unveiled plans for an office park at Dafarn Newydd, near Coleg Menai in the town.

The latest proposal follows in the wake of rival plans for retail, offices and leisure facilities at Llanfairpwll on the island.

An Isle of Anglesey council spokesperson said it was "disappointing" that the developer had revealed its proposal to the media first, especially given that the land was owned by the council.

"Any speculation regarding the future use of the site would be premature at this stage as no final decision has yet been made regarding the possible relocation of Ysgol y Bont," said the spokesperson.

"Prior to any change in the school's location, our first duty would, of course, be to consult with parents and staff at Ysgol y Bont."

If the council did at any point in the future, decide to sell the land, it would be done through the appropriate procedures "in both a transparent and inclusive manner."

The spokesperson added: "We would not tie ourselves to any one developer, without testing the market."