One of Aberystwyth’s “underused jewels” will receive “significant investment” after being bought from the Welsh Government.

The Marine & Property Group Ltd, the owners and operators of Aberystwyth Marina, has agreed terms to acquire the 15,000 sq ft Harbour House at the marina.

The company said it is “keen to expand the offering around the marina to maximise its potential”, and plans to develop the building to include a coffee shop and restaurant, as well as renovate and fill the current empty units at the site.

Under the plans, Aberystwyth Marina will move their office into Harbour House, while the existing marina office will become the new home of Adventure Consultancy – an adventure training specialist.

The company said that Harbour House already has a “number of key anchor office tenants”, including the National Farmers Union, who will stay following the sale.

The company added that it is currently negotiating rental terms with “several other businesses who have already expressed an interest in renting some of the existing vacant units.”

The company is also working closely with a couple of operators who currently rent property in their other marinas, who are “very keen” on expanding their business to Aberystwyth.

Ceredigion county councillor Rhodri Evans, Cabinet member with responsibility for economy and regeneration said: “We welcome this investment that brings much-needed facilities and outlets to the harbour area and any further opportunities to promote and enhance the attractiveness of the harbour to residents and visitors alike.

“The harbour is one of the county’s underused jewels so there is great potential for investment to boost tourism and the economy.”

See this week’s Aberystwyth paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now