#cllr-hazel-evans — Public Fediverse posts

LLANELLI: Wetland centre to get £400k makeover — but visitors warned of disruption

WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre has secured funding to completely transform its entrance and visitor centre, promising a “more welcoming and accessible” experience for families.

The project, backed by Welsh Government cash and council support, will see the front of the centre redesigned with new pathways, wider doors and improved facilities.

But the upgrade comes with a catch.

Construction is due to begin in April 2026 and will run through to November — meaning months of changes for visitors, including temporary entrances and relocated facilities.

Despite the disruption, the centre insists it will stay open throughout.

Bosses say the revamp is badly needed, with the current entrance no longer fit for purpose.

New features will include modern welcome points, bilingual signage and interactive displays highlighting the wetlands and wildlife.

There will also be eco-friendly upgrades, including a drainage system designed to reduce flooding and boost biodiversity.

Plans show a revamped visitor centre at WWT Llanelli, with outdoor seating, improved access and new family-friendly spaces. (Image: WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre)

Centre manager Jo Jones said the changes would transform the visitor experience.

She said: “Our newly transformed visitor centre will ensure everyone receives a warm and inclusive welcome.

“While there will be some temporary disruption during the build, we’re carefully planning the works so people can continue to enjoy the wetlands.”

The £400,000 project includes £300,000 from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics Fund, with the rest funded by the charity itself.

Ministers say the investment will help secure the site’s future as a top visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, said: “WWT Llanelli is a remarkable natural asset, and this investment will ensure it becomes even more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for everyone. The Brilliant Basics Fund exists to enhance the essential infrastructure that underpins great visitor experiences – improving accessibility, facilities, and supporting destinations to offer year-round, sustainable tourism.

“This project at WWT Llanelli embodies those aims and I’m delighted that the Welsh Government can help drive this transformation, which will benefit visitors, wildlife and the wider Carmarthenshire economy for generations to come.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, added: “Working in collaboration with WWT Llanelli, this exciting project will enhance visitor experience and improve accessibility by updating pathways, doors and ramps as required to meet universal standards, providing bilingual interpretation and installing clear wayfinding systems. I look forward to seeing the results of this project in the future.”

The work is expected to be finished in time for a major milestone — the centre’s 80th birthday celebrations.

In the meantime, visitors are being urged to follow signage and plan ahead as building work gets underway.

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#birds #BrilliantBasicsFund #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrHazelEvans #Llanelli #LlanelliWetlandCentre #Llwynhendy #Penclacwydd #RebeccaEvansMS #wildlife

New £15m eco‑business hubs filling up fast, says Welsh Government as demand surges in Carmarthenshire

Ministers say the £15m investment — jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council — has delivered new sustainable business units at Parc Gelli Werdd in Cross Hands and a second scheme now under construction at Beechwood Industrial Estate in Llandeilo.

According to the Welsh Government, Parc Gelli Werdd’s 26 “state‑of‑the‑art” workshops and offices are already demonstrating “strong market demand” for low‑carbon premises. The Government says the site includes an energy‑management system allowing tenants to control electricity use for cost efficiencies, alongside high‑performance insulation and solar panels designed to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Officials say the development is around 70% let, with further enquiries being considered for the remaining units.

The Welsh Government also says five new energy‑efficient industrial units are being built at Beechwood Industrial Estate. The scheme, due for completion in June, is described by ministers as being designed to meet a “Net Zero carbon in‑operation target” and will include electric vehicle charging points.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said businesses consistently highlight the need for modern, flexible space.

“Businesses tell us how access to modern business spaces is crucial to helping them expand and grow,” she said. “Both of these developments in Carmarthenshire deliver to exceptional environmental standards and will reduce operational costs for occupying businesses whilst minimising environmental impact.”

Carmarthenshire County Council says the partnership is helping create high‑quality space for local firms. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism Cllr Hazel Evans said the new units will support business growth in the county.

“Through collaborative working with Welsh Government, these energy‑efficient commercial units will provide fantastic, flexible spaces for businesses in Carmarthenshire to thrive,” she said.

#Business #businessHub #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrHazelEvans #CrossHands #energyEfficientIndustrialUnits #Llandeilo #newOffices #RebeccaEvansMS #WelshGovernment #workshop

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli after years of anticipation

Residents and local sports clubs were the first through the doors of Canolfan Pentre Awel on Wednesday (15 October), the flagship first phase of the 83‑acre development at Delta Lakes.

The centrepiece leisure hub boasts a 25‑metre, eight‑lane swimming pool, learner pool, hydrotherapy pool, cutting‑edge gym, eight‑court sports hall, and dedicated spin and dance studios. Community spaces, meeting rooms, a café, and scenic coastal paths also form part of the new facility.

Drone view of Pentre Awel with Llanelli town in the background.(Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)Exterior of Canolfan Pentre Awel with electric vehicle charging points.(Image: Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)Pentre Awel’s new 25m swimming pool, designed by Powell Dobson Architects.(Credit: Powell Dobson Architects.)Swimming lanes marked out at Pentre Awel’s new pool.(Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)

A milestone for Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council leader Cllr Darren Price hailed the opening as “a clear example of what we can achieve through collaboration across services, sectors, and communities.”

Cabinet member Cllr Hazel Evans described the centre as “a cornerstone of our vision for a stronger, healthier Carmarthenshire,” adding that it was designed to be “centred around our community and a true example of what can be achieved when all sectors come together.”

The £40m Swansea Bay City Deal contribution, alongside funding from UK and Welsh Governments and the council, has underpinned the project.

Aerial view of the South Wales steel and tinplate works at Llanelli in 1929, showing the site in its industrial heyday.
(Credit: © Crown Copyright, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Aerofilms Collection.)

From Tinopolis to Breezy Village

19th Century – Tinopolis
Llanelli earned the nickname ‘Tinopolis’ as it became a global centre of tinplate production. Families worked in hot, dangerous conditions producing tinplate for everything from food cans to toys. Felinfoel Brewery even filled the first tinplate beer cans in Britain.

1861 – Brickworks
William Thomas established a brickworks on the Delta Lakes site, using rich clay deposits. He also built workers’ housing known as Brick Row to support Llanelli’s early growth.

Late 19th to mid-20th Century – Tinplate Works
The South Wales Tinplate Works, founded by Edward Moorewood and John Rogers, dominated the area with mills, rail sidings and loading bays. Expanded in 1911, the works thrived until post-war decline led to demolition by 1951.

1960s–1990s – Delta Lakes
As heavy industry faded, the former shipping channel was landscaped into Delta Lakes. New paths and roads were laid, including the roundabout still seen today.

2025 – Pentre Awel
The site is reborn as Canolfan Pentre Awel, a £218m wellness village. Its name, meaning “Breezy Village”, reflects the coastal setting, while the architecture pays tribute to the area’s industrial heritage with light‑filled spaces and natural materials designed to “bring the outside in”.

End of an era for Jubilee Pool

The opening also signals the closure of Llanelli Leisure Centre and Jubilee Pool, which had served the town since 1963.

Llanelli Amateur Swimming Club marked the moment by becoming the last to train at the old pool and the first to dive into the new one. Club secretary Nicola Morris said the move offered “security” after years of uncertainty caused by repairs and closures.

Lifeguard Teyan Burt reflected on the handover as “the end of an era,” paying tribute to the centre’s 62 years of service.

The old Llanelli Leisure Centre, closed after 62 years of service.(Credit: Rob Welch.)

Mixed community reaction

While many residents welcomed the state‑of‑the‑art facilities, others voiced concerns about the project’s cost and location.

Town centre traders Jane McDonald and Becky Foden told the BBC they feared the out‑of‑town site could draw footfall away from the market and high street. “It looks all right [but] it’s a lot of money,” said Becky. “What about our market? And our town centre?”

By contrast, Edward Morgan, 82, from Burry Port, said he was optimistic: “I think it’s certainly an improvement from the old swimming pool… I plan to use the onsite healthcare facilities for my regular blood tests.”

Direct overhead drone image of the Pentre Awel development.(Credit: Bouygues UK.)

What’s next

The wider £218m Pentre Awel project will be delivered in phases over the coming years. Plans include 370 assisted living units, healthcare and research facilities, business incubation space, housing, a nursing home, and a hotel.

Spanning an area equivalent to 40 rugby pitches, the development is billed as the first of its kind in Wales, bringing together health, leisure, business, and community services on one coastal site.

An official opening ceremony with UK and Welsh Government representatives is expected later this year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli Leisure Centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant
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Construction starts on Llanelli’s Pentre Awel wellness village
Work began on the landmark £200m project at Delta Lakes.

Planning approved for Llanelli’s multi-million pound Pentre Awel development
Councillors gave the green light for the ambitious scheme at Delta Lakes.

Council appoints contractor to deliver Llanelli’s Pentre Awel scheme
The main contractor was confirmed to lead the first phase of the project.

#BouyguesUK #CanolfanPentreAwel #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrDarrenPrice #CllrHazelEvans #construction #danceStudio #DeltaLakes #featured #gym #JubileePool #LeisureCentre #Llanelli #LlanelliLeisureCentre #PentreAwel #sportsHall #SwanseaBayCityDeal #swimmingPool #WellnessCentre