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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.

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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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.

Port Talbot tipped for key role as third Celtic Sea wind farm confirmed

The decision completes the trio of sites awarded under the UK’s Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, joining projects already secured by Equinor and Gwynt Glas earlier this year. Together, the three floating wind farms are expected to generate enough clean energy to power more than four million homes.

Port Talbot in the spotlight

Ports including Port Talbot and Bristol have already been identified as front‑running candidates for turbine assembly and deployment. With deep‑water access and existing industrial infrastructure, Port Talbot is seen as a natural hub for the heavy engineering and logistics required to deliver floating offshore wind at scale.

Local leaders have long argued that investment in the Celtic Sea must translate into jobs and training opportunities in South Wales. Under Round 5 rules, developers must ensure at least 3.5% of their workforce are apprentices and that 10% of employees aged 19–24 are not in education, employment or training, opening the door for significant opportunities in Neath Port Talbot.

Welsh Government hails investment

Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said the certainty over all three sites “will help unlock investment from ports, manufacturing companies and skills providers,” adding that Wales is now “at the global forefront of the offshore wind sector.”

Industry groups including RenewableUK and the British Ports Association welcomed the announcement, saying it positions Wales and the South West of England at “the cutting edge” of a sector that could support nearly 100,000 UK jobs by 2050.

Ocean Winds brings global experience

Ocean Winds, described as a world leader in floating wind technology, has already delivered the WindFloat Atlantic project in Portugal and operates major UK wind farms including Moray East and Moray West.

The Crown Estate said it had taken steps to “derisk” Round 5 for developers, including grid connection plans with the National Energy System Operator and extensive technical and environmental surveys.

What happens next

Ocean Winds and the Crown Estate will now work towards finalising an Agreement for Lease by spring 2026, allowing development work to advance.

For Port Talbot, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the town secures a central role in turbine assembly and deployment – a move that could bring hundreds of skilled jobs and billions of pounds of investment to the local economy.

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