Major plans for a proposed multi-million pound transformation of Welshpool have been moved forward by councillors.

Welshpool Town Council has approved draft plans to redevelop the town centre by 2010. The proposals show a new hotel, possibly a Travelodge, and other commercial premises in Mill Lane and more shops on Church Street car park.

They also show a bus depot and extra parking on land behind the vicarage, a taxi rank at Berriew Street car park, a market in Broad Street, and a kiosk-type shopping centre in the town hall.

Robert Robinson, council clerk, said it would create 1,500 jobs, on top of the 400 being created as part of the livestock market project.

And he revealed residents will be given a chance to see the plans on Tuesday.

“The architect has now drawn up the plans for the redevelopment and these have been presented to the town council,” he added.

“The draft town centre plan will go on display in the Corn Exchange, at Welshpool Town Hall, on Tuesday between 10am and 7pm.”

Work has already started on the livestock market development which will see the current market move to the outskirts of the town and a major retail scheme built ion the site.

Mr Robinson said Berriew street car park would also be amended to allow for the provision of overnight parking for lorries.

“We are also thinking of providing a possible new bridge link for the town centre from the new retail development and we are hoping to widen the width of Broad Street,” he said.

“Once these plans have been displayed to the public, town councillors will then make a final decision before submitting them to Powys County Council.”

They could be submitted by the end of January.

Town councillor Tony Squibb today urged everyone in Welshpool to have a look at the plans.

He said: “This is the biggest thing in Welshpool for years and will probably be the most important thing for the town this century.

“The design is the result of massive public consultation. We have had 36 public meetings to explain to what is being proposed and get opinions. There has been about 1,100 forms filled in by people giving their views.”

By Anwen Evans