New plans for revival of old building in town centre
FOR decades, the once grand YMCA building has dominated the part of Stepney Street which fronts on to Town Hall Square in Llanelli.
But after years standing derelict and rotting away, new plans have been unveiled for its revival.
The old building has stood on opposite Spring Gardens since 1909 when Llanelli’s first Young Men’s Christian Association opened.
In its early years, it was used as a social hub for members and once contained a parlour, gymnasium, billiard room and swimming baths.
It was also once home to the Llanelli Talking Newspaper for the Blind recording studio.
The once-stately building gradually fell in to disrepair.
Over the years, a number of occupants have moved in and moved out, including confectionery store The Candy Box and tanning studios.
But now plans have been unveiled from developing consultants Asbri Planning for the building to be reconstructed into commercial units, office spaces and residential units.
The plans, commissioned by Carmarthenshire Council, aim to retain a lot of original features of the historic building - including the front facade and the existing staircase.
Once completed, the building would house four commercial units and residential parking on the ground floor, office use on the first and residential units on the top floors.
The proposal is currently in the “pre-application consultation stage” and the developers have asked anyone who wishes to make representations to do so by August 13.
The plans are the latest in a list of key buildings in the town set for development as part of a huge investment to transform and regenerate Llanelli town centre after a number of big retailers have left
n the other end of Stepney Street, work is underway on the demolition of the old Altalia building as part of the Market Street North scheme.
As part of the scheme, more residential and commercial units are in development for the town centre aiming to improve the appearance of the main shopping district in a bid to attract more commercial interest and footfall.