Gwynedd Council has formally submitted a planning application for the proposed regeneration of Blaenau Ffestiniog town centre, North Wales.

In February, consultants Miller Research launched a four-month design process for the £4.5m transformation of the town, which is due to start in early 2011 in partnership with regeneration group Blaenau Ymlaen. A public exhibition has been scheduled for 17 June at the former tourist information centre to enable residents to view the plans. Proposals for lighting the Zig Zag – a path running down the Oakeley Quarry tip – will go on show at the rugby club on 16 June.

At the centre of scheme is the creation of a "vibrant shopping street" and the development of a "distinctive visitor destination", based on the town's heritage and culture. Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Gwynedd Council regeneration officer for Ffestiniog and Eifionydd, said: "Many believe that the lighting of the [Oakley] incline could be a way of celebrating the town's history and culture in a modern, dynamic way, while others feel that the feature should be left alone and respected as it is."

Dewi Lewis, portfolio leader for the economy and community at the local authority, added: "By securing a £4.5m regeneration boost for the town, we can move forward in protecting these key elements of Blaenau's character, and maximise the area's potential by using its most important assets - its people, language and landscape."