BUSINESSES and councillors in Haverfordwest are throwing their weight behind plans for a town centre cinema complex.

On Monday night, the town council met with members of the town’s chamber of commerce and business circle, to establish a united front in favour of the plans, which could create up to 85 jobs.

Fairacre, which already owns the Riverside Shopping Centre, hopes to transform the current Wilko site with a new multiplex and restaurants.

But development firm Conygar has also thrown its hat into the ring, with similar plans for its Slade Lane site on the outskirts of the town.

The firm has also submitted plans for five retail units, ‘similar in size to those at Withybush Retail Park’, a 60-bedroom hotel and drive-through coffee shop.

Cllr Jonathan Collier said the council had a number of concerns over Conygar’s plans.

At a meeting at the Mariner’s Hotel last year, Conygar representatives were of the opinion that Haverfordwest’s current centre was “doomed”, said Cllr Collier, and their proposals would result in the creation of a “new centre” on the outskirts.

“They know full well that this this would be the death of the town centre,” said Cllr Collier.

Added Cllr Sue Murray: “We might as well close the doors to Haverfordwest if that happens.”

Cllr Peter Iles said this attitude showed Conygar’s “arrogance”.

A number of members also pointed out that Conygar is yet to deliver a finished project in Pembrokeshire.

The town council anticipates one or both application could be heard at the next county council planning meeting in February, and Cllr Murray said it was vital local groups were “prepared” to fight their corner.

Members said “whispers” that the county council may favour Conygar’s development had prompted them to rally support for Fairacre’s plans.

Previously, Pembrokeshire County Council’s head of highways Darren Thomas said the authority had earmarked between £1.2m and £1.5m to refurbish the multi-storey car park.

Pressed on whether this work was reliant on a cinema coming to the town centre, Mr Thomas said all work was dependent on funding, and the amount and extent of work was linked to the Fairacre development.

But Cllr Murray said there were worrying signs the county council’s plans had changed.

She said Mr Thomas had spoken to the council, and seemed vague on where this money would now come from.

The council and its partner groups plan to speak in support of Fairacre’s plans, and against Conygar’s plans, when they come before the county council’s planning committee.

Cllr Chris Thomas said there was a “groundswell of ill feeling towards Conygar” but did not anticipate them “going down without a fight”.

The proposed developments are:

  • Conygar Haverfordwest Ltd – cinema/leisure development in Slade Lane, Haverfordwest – PCC application nos 16/0312/PA, 16/0310/PA
  • Longacre Retail Partnership Ltd (Fairacre) – cinema at Riverside Shopping, Haverfordwest – PCC application nos 16/0879/PA, 16/0888/CA, 16/0881/LB

To have your say click here and search for the relevant application.