NO PROGRESS ON BUILDINGS
TWO large Carmarthen town-centre buildings remain empty despite hopes that they would be brought back into use.
The prominent former Post Office and Family Value store buildings in King Street have been vacant for years and are considered eyesores.
In August last year Carmarthenshire Council announced plans to take steps in buying the buildings and give them a new lease of life.
The council’s then executive board approved an application to be made to Welsh Government for funding under its Transforming Towns Programme – aimed at boosting town centres post-covid.
Up to £15m was said to have been up for grabs at the time as part of the programme.
However, 15 months later nothing has happened and no funding application has been made, due to no agreements having been secured with the owners of the former Post Office and Family Value. It means the future of both buildings remains uncertain.
TWO large Carmarthen town centre buildings remain empty despite hopes that they would be brought back into use.
The prominent former Post Office and Family Value store buildings in King Street have been vacant for years and are considered eyesores.
In August last year Carmarthenshire Council announced plans to take steps in buying the buildings and give them a new lease of life.
The council’s then executive board (since replaced by a cabinet) approved an application to be made to Welsh Government for funding under its Transforming Towns Programme – aimed at boosting town centres post-covid.
Up to £15m was said to have been up for grabs at the time as part of the programme.
However, 15 months later nothing has happened and no funding application has been made due to having no agreements secured with the owners of the former Post Office and Family Value. It means the future of both buildings remains uncertain, despite the council being interested in obtaining “underutilised properties” such as these.
Last summer Carmarthen county councillor Gareth John, who is now the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, said bringing the buildings back into use would be a “game changer for businesses in King Street.”
Speaking this week about the buildings, Cllr John said: “The county council is interested in acquiring strategic and underutilised properties and discussions have been had with the owners of the properties in King Street, Carmarthen.
“However, all acquisitions are subject to securing agreements with respective owners and securing external funding.
“The council continues to explore opportunities with property owners and funding partners to support town centre economic activity.”
Responding to the lack of progress in King Street, Carmarthen Chamber of Trade and Commerce chair Neil James said the biggest factor since the council announced plans to acquire the Post Office and Family Value is the huge regeneration effort of the town’s former Debenhams store at St Catherine’s Walk – which he claims has possibly eclipsed the King Street project.
The Debenhams store, which closed in May 2021, is being transformed into a hub to deliver a range of health, wellbeing, learning and cultural services all under one roof thanks to £15m of funding last November from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Carmarthenshire Council is working with Hywel Dda University Health Board and University of Wales Trinity Saint David on the Debenhams redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
Mr James said: “I suspect that the Post Office and Family Value have taken a backseat because of what is now happening with the old Debenhams building. I would urge the council to still look at what can be done to the old Post Office and Family Value because they have been empty for a very long time and putting them back into use would be a huge boost to King Street.
“Whether they are used for retail, accommodation or office space, having them back in use is important and would send the right message to anyone interested in opening a new business in the street.
“Having two of the its biggest buildings left to ruin is not the best scenario for that part of town.
“I hope the council can continue talking to the owners of the buildings to find a way forward.”