Celtica gave visitors an insight into how the ancient Celts lived

It is just one proposal put forward by Machynlleth and District Community Forum for Celtica, which shut in March.

The plans also involve turning the Grade II-listed Plas building into offices and a venue for the arts.

The forum's Andy Rowland said: "There is no doubt that the future of this building is at the very centre of life in Machynlleth."

The forum's Plas steering group liaised with the community and its proposals will go before the building's owners, Powys Council, later this year.

The forum said its vision for the Plas included an exciting mix of "arts space, business accommodation, education facilities, heritage resources and drop-in attractions for visitors to the area".

Our proposal will secure its future financially Andy Rowland

It also plans to attract school visits and allocate space for an 80-seat cinema, showcasing both Welsh and English language films.

Mr Rowland added: "The proposal draws together all the things highlighted in our survey as being important to the people of the Dyfi Valley.

"Our proposal will secure its future financially as well as returning the building to the heart of the community."

Powys Council announced plans to close Celtica last year after officials said it had lost �1.1m since 1998 and attracted too few visitors.

Never attracted

The council opened Celtica in 1996 after �2.5m was spent on refurbishing the Plas building.

The attraction needed 90,000 visitors in the first year with the figure increasing to 110,000 for it to be successful.

However, the council said it never attracted more than 34,000 visitors per year.