A COMPREHENSIVE report, detailing the way in which Monmouth might be re-generated in coming years, is about to go out to public consultation, The Beacon can reveal.

We have seen a copy of the 23 page report, which is called "Vision Monmouth, planning for the future", which details schemes which might, if they were ever carried out, cost millions of pounds.

Areas such as Agincourt Square, the cattle market car park, a total of forty projects concerning land overlooking the Wye, the Portal Road area, where there might well be a top class hotel, and ambitious plans for the land around the ancient Monnow Bridge.

Traders leaders in the town are due to discuss the document shortly, but we understand the consultation period will last until February of next year.

The report has been commissioned by Monmouthshire County Council and its partners and, in its introduction, comments that clarity is needed about projects that would improve the prosperity of the town.

"Vision Monmouth brings together a series of action based projects that are perceived to be deliverable in the medium term, which, together will strengthen the viability of the town as a shopping and tourism destination, thereby improving the quality of life of those that live and work in the town and its hinterland".

There are numerous areas included in the report.

Dealing with Agincourt Square, the report said it was essential to enhance, protect and promote Monmouth's heritage, natural and cultural assets, whilst creating clear, safe and accessible environments for the community.

How will this be done? The report notes:

"The project will deliver the renovation of the town's keynote building in the citadel of Agincourt Square. The fabric of the building will be restored and conserved, with the installation of a lift to allow everyone unrestricted access to the building.

"A glass loggia will also create a reception point at the front of the building. The rooms within the building will be enhanced to make sure that community groups can make good use of the building".

The cost of the works will be £3,542,840, and should be completed during 2010.

The area around the cattle market at the bottom end of Monnow Street also figure prominently in the report.

It says the Welcome Centre and associated public realm improvements will create an exemplary arrival point into the town, with community facilities, which will promote Monmouth as a key tourism gateway.

"The centre will promote the attraction of the town through information, interpretation and orientation, regenerating the local economy by providing the opportunity to promote and selling locally sourced products" says the report.

"The project includes the creation of a high quality civic square that will act as a hub for the town, holding special events and activities, ranging from specialist markets and re-encactments to commemorative events".

The total cost of the project, which will be divided into two phases, is likely to be around £4m. However, the future of the scheme depends on funding.

There are, in total, something like forty projects in three counties, including The Kymin, Monmouth Quay and various displays in the proposed Welcome Centre.

The overall cost is likely to be £2.8m.

The need for a top quality hotel is mentioned in the report, with the Portal Road site close to the new Monnow Bridge being mentioned, especially as the land has been earmarked for a hotel and for coach parking.

There are lavish plans for the old Monnow Bridge, with a scheme to restore the gatehouse on the bridge, enabling people to explore its history further, building on successful work already undertaken after the bridge was pedestrianised three years ago.

The report says the cost of such works is going to be £130,000.

Parking requirements are mentioned in length, with the reports saying that parking arrangements in the town are perceived to be insufficient to meet the current requirements of the residents and visitors.

There are also details of plans to create a shopmobility centre, to provide local people and visitors to the town, with mobility scooters and wheelchairs to enable them to travel around the town centre.

There are plans to restore the chapel at Monmouth Cemetery and create a genealogy and interpretation centre. This will enable locals and visitors to explore their own family history and discover what it was like to live in Monmouth in the past.

Eight routes, for walking and cycling in and around Monmouth, are included, with a total cost of £3.5 million, of which funding for £250,000 has already been confirmed.

The project would provide walking and cycling links to Wyesham, local schools, the Wye Valley Walk, the new Showground, to Symonds Yat and to Redbrook and beyond.

The report concludes:

"In developing this plan, it is evident that some projects are at an advanced stage and are immediate priorities, whilst others are long term aspirations which require further planning and development.

"Indeed, some are a statement of intent on the part of the town".