Saundersfoot Harbour is delighted with the response from Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet members in recognising the potential that their proposed Marine Centre of Excellence will have on the local economy through the increase in marine tourism, as well as the creation of up to 25 new jobs within the harbour.

Their plans also have the support of Welsh Government, who see this development as being compatible with their regeneration policy.

They also look forward to entering into partnership discussions with the county council which they believe would greatly enhance the attractions, facilities and benefits offered by Tenby Harbour to the harbour community.

Philip Evans CBE, chairman of Saundersfoot Harbour Commissioners, said: "We hope to have several of our new facilities online by 2014 summer season, with the additional facilities completed by 2016. These will include an outer harbour slipway, new deep-water moorings/pontoons, as well as shore facilities such as chandlery, boat repair services, and marine engineering in the new marine centre of excellence.

"Since the Harbour Commissioners were appointed in 2011 under the new Harbour Order, our strategy has been to develop new maritime facilities at Saundersfoot Harbour that will not only complement the existing facilities that Pembrokeshire has to offer mariners, but to significantly increase the offer with greater access to Carmarthen Bay.

"Our focus will now be on making best use of public funds and support to get the most benefit we can for the harbour and the county. It has been a great endorsement of our Sailing Ahead strategy to have the support and encouragement of both the local authority and the Welsh Government. This really has been the trigger mechanism for our commercial ambitions."