IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN FLY-TIPPING
LIFTING THE LID ON ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT WORK:
WALES’S First Minister Carwyn Jones has described the project to restore Llanelli Railway Goods Shed for community use as an exciting plan for the future of Llanelli.
Mr Jones visited the site in Marsh Street to take part in a remembrance service to pay tribute to the 13 men from the Great Western Railway who died during the First World War.
He also joined members of the Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust and development partners for a fact-finding tour of the building.
Planning permission has been granted for renovation of the shed and the establishment of a community hub, heritage centre, arts facility and offices.
Following the visit, Mr Jones said: “I think it has got wonderful potential.
“Buildings like this are tremendous assets for the towns that they are in. I think it’s marvellous that the trust is here to help develop this building and it’s going to be an exciting project for the future.”
Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli and chairwoman of the Goods Shed Trust, said: “We were all delighted to see the interest the First Minister expressed in the project to restore the Railway Goods Shed here in Llanelli.
“It’s an ambitious scheme, but one which is important for our town and the surrounding area.
“The project is currently priced at £2.6 million and the trust is working hard to secure funding for the project from a number of sources.
“We are confident we have developed a sustainable plan.
“We are developing a number of exciting partnerships with other organisations and business to help achieve our goals.”
The Reverend Eldon Phillips, a trustee of the Goods Shed, conducted the remembrance service which saw temporary memorial plaques (to be replaced later with permanent memorials) unveiled at the Goods Shed.
The service was attended by ceremonial standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and veterans’ organisations.
The congregation included representatives of the current site owners, Network Rail, and Llanelli Railway Station, school children from Ysgol Penrhos, Coedcae School, Ysgol Maesy Morfa and Bigyn School.