Llandeilo’s derelict former market hall is to be transformed in to a rural centre for employment and events, creating up to 45 new jobs in the town.
Carmarthenshire County Council is behind exciting plans to bring the historic building back in to use.
Agreed by Executive Board yesterday (November 19, 2018), regeneration officers will now work closely with various funding bodies to secure the finance to deliver the project.
Early plans include employment space for small to medium rural businesses and a new rural enterprise academy, venue hire with flexible space for events and markets, and a cafe.
Subject to planning permission, it is anticipated that the project could get underway early in 2020.
The 19th century Grade II Listed building stands in the centre of Llandeilo.
Cllr Emlyn Dole, Leader of the council and Executive Board Member for regeneration said its location and scale make it an ideal venue for businesses and community groups.
“We have been working with a number of interested parties on a development that would bring this historic building back into economic use, however the cost of developing the historic listed building significantly exceeds its likely end value and as such a number of these parties have been unable to deliver their vision,” said Cllr Dole.
“However an opportunity has arisen for us to access external funding to bring forward a transformational project that will bring this historic building back into economic use.
“Following yesterday’s executive board decision officers will now liaise with funders to secure the finance to deliver the project whilst obtaining the necessary consents to bring forward the project with a view to commencing construction early in 2020.”
Cllr David Jenkins, Executive Board Member for Resources, said: “This decision to invest £562,000 in capital funding was a no brainer. The funding is going to be used as match funding to lever significant further external funding to the County Council which will bring the building back into beneficial use creating up to 45 new jobs and creating a modest income stream for the authority.”
Cllr Edward Thomas, local member for Llandeilo, said he was delighted about the plans.
“The former provisions market is a prominent building that has played an important role in Llandeilo’s economy over the years,” he said.
“Sadly, since 2001 the building has fallen into disrepair and a number of proposed developments have come and gone. As such I am delighted that Carmarthenshire County Council is now pursuing directly a project that will not only benefit Llandeilo’s economy moving forward but will also protect the future of a historically important building.”
And Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member responsible for rural affairs, added: “We are committed to transforming Carmarthenshire’s Rural Economy and working with key stakeholders in our county’s market towns. It is envisaged that the centre will offer businesses a quality workspace which will help sustain and create new jobs for the rural economy of Carmarthenshire and I’m confident this will be welcomed.”
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