Aberystwyth’s harbour could be in line for a major redevelopment.

Ceredigion council is compiling an application for a slice of UK funding to boost the south of the town, which could include a bridge linking the two sides of the harbour, and retail and leisure facilities on the north side.

In an application for funding of up to £20 million for Aberystwyth as part of the UK Government’s Levelling up Fund, a report by council officials states that regeneration would be focussed on the south side of the town, from the Old College to the harbour and all of South Promenade.

A report to Cabinet says the application will form part of a ‘co-ordinated series of investments’ to regenerate this part of the town, creating jobs and attracting visitors.

The report adds: “Key strategic investments in the harbour area, including new pontoons, improvements to Harbour House, the erection of a bridge to link both sides of the harbour, and the development of further retail, leisure and commercial facilities on the north side of the harbour.”

Ceredigion council’s Cabinet discussed the plans earlier this week with applications for funding having to be submitted by tomorrow (Friday, 18 June).

The scheme has been set up by the UK Government to replace European money.

Bids for funding for a slice of a UK Community Renewal Fund – worth up to £3 million also have to be made by tomorrow’s deadline.

Those hoping to make the shortlist and be submitted include 4CG community land trust, AberInnovation’s BioAccelerate, productivity accelerator and launch pad series, Antur Cymru, Area 43, Caru Aber, Menter a Busnes and Cered as well as two council schemes for rural engagement and outreach and digital skills for the high street.

Cabinet member for economy and regeneration Cllr Rhodri Evans told fellow councillors on Tuesday that the initial bid total was £4.5million and following assessment against key criteria and further work the shortlist of projects to be submitted is below £3 million.

Llandysul county councillor Keith Evans told the meeting it was “disappointing” that transport improvements in areas other than Aberystwyth had not been put forward and that “more of our market towns won’t be helped.”