The centre could be up and running by 2006

The New Quay-based Cardigan Bay Watch visitor and education centre would cost �3.35m and create 23 full-time jobs in the seaside village.

And on Tuesday, Ceredigion Council's cabinet decided to support the scheme, which could be up and running by 2006 if funding bids are successful.

Cardigan Bay is one of only three sites in the UK to have a resident population of bottlenosed dolphins.

There will be no other attraction like this in Ceredigion Roy Evans, Cei Dev

And this breed, along with Atlantic Grey seals and harbour porpoises could provide the impetus for the ambitious project which aims to attract up to 80,000 visitors a year.

The centre would be built on the Traeth Dolau coastal slope overlooking Cardigan Bay and provide space for conferences and social events as well as a centre dedicated to marine life.

New life

The scheme has been developed by New Quay regeneration group, Cei Dev which was set up in 2000.

So far it has attracted �500,000 for projects to breathe new life into the area, but this is its most ambitious plan yet.

"Receiving the cabinet's support is a breakthrough for the project," said Roy Evans, Cei Dev's officer in charge of the project.

"There will be no other attraction like this in Ceredigion and it will link into an eco tourism experience with the coastal path and cycle trails developed in the area."

The centre would overlook Cardigan Bay from Traeth Dolau

The next stage of the project is to develop the design of the building, and three sets of architects are already involved in the scheme.

Cei Dev aims to submit a planning application within the next 12 months.

"If we negotiate the planning process successfully the next stage will be to let the people of the community choose the design they want for the building," said Mr Evans.

Cardigan Bay was designated a Special Area of Conservation in 2001 because of its resident dolphin population and is one of just three areas in Britain to get its status because of these animals.

Between July and October more than 400 dolphins live in Cardigan Bay

Latest estimates identify a resident population of more than 120 dolphins in the bay but from July to October numbers can rise to 400 because they follow fish groups.

The planned centre will include an audio-visual presentation including multi-sensory effects such as 3D, surround sound wind effects and ocean-like smells to add further impact.

Council leader Dai Lloyd Evans, said the Cabinet had wholeheartedly supported the scheme.

"Our officers have been given the go-ahead to work with Cei Dev to develop a bid for Objective One finance," he said.

"This is a very exciting idea and I am delighted that the community has come up with such a great project to boost the economy of Ceredigion."