A long-awaited Fishguard development is set to take a giant step forward this week, as plans for a major marina scheme are submitted.

The Conygar investment Company PLC, in conjunction with Stena Line, has announced it is submitting a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council for a mixed-use marina development at Goodwick this week.

The main elements of the scheme include a 450 berth marina with workshops, stores and ancillary facilities; 253 residential apartments and a 19 acre platform for potential expansion of the existing Stena Line port.

The scheme would also create a publicly-accessible promenade and waterfront, and visitor parking.

Conygar and Stena Line believe the regeneration scheme will be a major boost to the area’s economy, creating an exciting visitor destination and much needed employment opportunities.

They say granting planning consent will allow for a re-configuration and expansion of the port facilities to deliver further economic and commercial benefits.

The Crown Estate, owners of the sea bed, and Pembrokeshire County Council who own much of the surrounding harbour area, have welcomed the proposals.

Neil Jacobson, head of coastal operations, said: “The proposed redevelopment would bring considerable long-term economic benefit to the area.”

Councillor John Davies, Pembrokeshire County Council leader, said: “There is no doubt that development is needed in order to secure the future of the ferryport and to provide and sustain jobs for the area.

“It is heartening that in these difficult financial times, major companies of this sort have sufficient confidence in Pembrokeshire to come forward with this sort of investment.”

Robert Ware, Conygar chief executive, said: “This exciting proposal will transform the area and bring significant benefits to the town and region as a whole.

“Clearly we expect a complex scheme of this nature to receive considerable scrutiny and the forthcoming planning process will undoubtedly result in a comprehensive assessment of the proposals, but we are hopeful the scheme will receive the backing we believe it deserves.”

Michael McGrath, Stena Line Area Director, Irish Sea, added: “We look forward to working with all the relevant parties concerned to move these projects forward which are critical to our business and the local economy.”