A £2.6 million scheme to transform the derelict ‘eyesore’ Roch Gate Motel near the Pembrokeshire seaside village of Newgale has been proposed by Nick Neumann of Newgale Holidays. The project, named ‘The Gate,’ aims to create a mixed commercial and community hub, including a village shop/post office, bistro/restaurant, conference facilities, business units, and up to 25 holiday lodges. The former motel has been vacant since its closure in 2008 and has seen previous planning approvals for redevelopment into a hotel and affordable housing schemes that never materialised.
Following a pre-application consultation last year, the proposed development has been revised to address feedback from the Park Authority, consultees, and third-party representations. Changes to the scheme include alterations to the external appearance of the main building, the removal of a drive-thru element, and the addition of two business units. The aim is to revitalize the site into a community-centric space that benefits the local area.
Agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd highlighted the need for a new direction for the site, which has been derelict for years and lost essential amenities like a village shop/post office and fish and chip shop. The proposed hub will provide a range of facilities for the community, including a replacement shop/post office, a bistro, conference rooms, and small business units.
Nick Neumann expressed optimism about the revised proposal, noting positive feedback and adjustments made to align with local architectural styles and sustainability goals. The focus is on creating a vibrant community hub that fosters local businesses, supports startups, and provides much-needed amenities. Neumann urged the community to voice their support for the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the derelict site into a thriving centre.
The formal planning application for the redevelopment will be reviewed by park planners in the coming months. The project represents a significant investment in the area, with the promise of creating 18 jobs and enhancing the local landscape. Neumann’s vision for ‘The Gate’ aligns with the goal of revitalizing the former motel site into a valuable asset that serves the needs of the community.
As the planning process unfolds, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of the site and contributing to the rejuvenation of the area. The prospect of breathing new life into the derelict motel site holds promise for the local economy and community, signaling a potential transformation that could bring lasting benefits to Newgale and its surroundings.