More money still needed to complete overhaul of market
THE cost of transforming a derelict market hall into offices and shops has risen and fewer parking spaces will be provided than planned, but the scheme should still be finished on time.
Carmarthenshire Council is leading a project to overhaul Llandeilo market hall, and cabinet members were told an extra £300,000 was required, taking the total cost to £4.16 million.
The additional cost is due to more piling work than anticipated, sprinkler installation and the replacement of a floor slab.
Speaking at the cabinet meeting, council leader Emlyn Dole said the Welsh Government had given a verbal agreement to fund the extra £300,000, increasing its contribution to £1.7 million.
“We are waiting for that to be provided in writing,” he said.
The council’s £2.46 million share of the cost will remain the same.
The grade Ii-listed market on the corner of Carmarthen Street and New Road will accommodate offices, shops, conference rooms, a café, and a central area for events.
Originally it was expected that 33 parking spaces would be provided, but the council has been unable to acquire an extra bit of land for some of them. The new figure is 27 parking spaces.
Council officers will need to approve the revised parking layout as a variation of a previously agreed planning condition.
The hall has been empty since 2002. It was once a provisions market, with a slaughterhouse at the rear, before accommodating a welding and fabrication firm and then hosting a pottery festival.
The cabinet report said the new-look hall should be ready for occupation in November this year, as originally planned. It is hoped that 17 businesses could operate from there, supporting 45 jobs.
GOLDIES Cymru is bringing back its Songs & Smiles daytime sessions for older isolated people in Newcastle Emlyn this month.
Programme leader Rachel Parry said: “We are delighted that our first popular Goldies Cymru daytime sessions are starting back again this month after the pandemic-enforced break. If you enjoy a good old singalong to those well-loved hits of the ’50s onwards, pop along to your nearest session, make friends and enjoy.
“We are a registered charity and do ask please for all those attending to make a £3 donation to our work so we can extend our session reaching older isolated people across Wales.”
Sessions will be held on the last Monday of the month from 11amnoon at Holy Trinity Church Community Hall, on Church Lane, Newcastle Emlyn SA38 9AM with Claire Thomas as the session leader.