Work on a new £15 million hospital for Machynlleth could start early next year.

Powys Teaching Health Board has approved the business case for the project, which will now go to the Welsh Government for approval.

At a board meeting on Wednesday, 30 September, director of planning and property Hayley Thomas said: “I’m really pleased to present the full business case for the Bro Dyfi hospital health and wellbeing project for Machynlleth.

“This is a really exciting development that supports the delivery of the model of care for Powys as part of a long-term 10-year strategy.

“This investment will help us reshape the way community health and wellbeing services are being delivered for the area, and include the integration of primary care services by relocating the Dyfi Valley health practice within the hospital setting.”

She also said the new hospital would have an “enhanced range” of outpatient and walk-in care and better children’s facilities, as well as mental health services.

Machynlleth councillor Michael Williams said: “I really hope these current plans will come to fruition, I am extremely hopeful they will.

“The people of Machynlleth and the Dyfi Valley have been waiting a long time for the delivery of health services from Machynlleth.

“It has been disappointing over the years for proposals not to eventually come about, but having said that I personally don’t want to dwell on the past. I want to look forward to a very bright future for health services in Machynlleth.

“The people of Machynlleth and further afield have been calling for these enhanced services for a while, they really do deserve them.”

Ms Thomas explained the investment ties in with the PTHB “community hub concept” to improve access to health and social care and wellbeing by working with the community and voluntary sectors.

Ms Thomas added: “I’m pleased to be able to say we’ve received all the necessary planning approvals for the scheme.

“We’ve agreed the necessary highways work that was required.”

She also said they were in the process of agreeing a deal for a small parcel of land earmarked for a junction.

The scheme would also address a backlog of maintenance issues estimated to cost £4.269m.

Ms Thomas said: “We hope Welsh Government approval will be able to come through by early next year, hopefully January.

“The revised value is £14.923m.”

Board chairman Prof Vivienne Harpwood said: “It’s wonderful to see something that was originally built as a dreadful workhouse, being transformed into a modern unit. We’re keen to see that happen.”

The changes also including replan of the existing car parking areas and opening up of the entrance areas.