“EXCITING” £1m plans have been revealed which would turn one of Aberystwyth’s most recognisable buildings into a “café quarter”.

Developers Arbenigol are preparing to submit plans which would transform Yr Hen Ysgol Gymraeg (The Old Welsh School) between the railway station and the new Tesco and Marks and Spencer development, into six commercial units.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Will Lloyd Davies, director of Arbenigol, said the development would cost in the region of £1m and be in keeping with the character of the building, with only a small section of the building — built in the 1960s — to be demolished to allow a tree-lined avenue through to Park Avenue.

Mr Davies said the building has been struggling to operate at above 50 per cent occupancy since the Welsh Government vacated the building and moved to Rhodfa Padarn in 2011.

“We are looking to redevelop the building to breathe a new lease of life into it,” said Mr Davies.

“We are thinking it will cost in the region of £1m.”

Cllr Jeff Smith, chair of Aberystwyth Town Council Planning Committee, which discussed the scheme on Monday night, said: “The plans look very exciting, and it would be great for such a beautiful building to be used more and become more accessible to the public.

“The tree-lined avenue through the middle would also be useful in linking the new multi-storey car park with the town centre and the cafés could attract people into the town centre to shop locally.”

The building is owned by Cardiff-based Evannance Investment Co.

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