Designs for the redevelopment of Gwyn Hall in Neath, South Wales, which was severely damaged by fire, have been unveiled by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council (NPTCBC).

A public consultation has now been launched by the council to allow local residents to have their say on Holder Mathias Architects' proposals for the venue, which was undergoing a £4m refurbishment at the time of the fire on 18 October last year.

Work has been carried out to remove debris from the site and to keep adjacent properties safe, while a structural survey has already concluded that the remaining walls can be retained. Additional strengthening may be required, however, in order to support floors and a new roof.

NPTCBC previously estimated that the cost of rebuilding Gwyn Hall would cost at least £7m, with funding coming from a number of sources, including insurance, grants and money earmarked for the original revamp project.

Richard Simms of property consultant EC Harris, said: "The proposals are about contemporary architecture which complements the look and style of the original building.

"It's about creating a building which provides state-of-the-art facilities that will benefit the entire community which, at the same time, respects the unique history of Gwyn Hall and its relationship to the town centre as one of its prominent landmark buildings."

NPTCBC hopes that work can begin on the project by late 2009. The consultation will run until 19 January.