Clearance work reveals goods shed site’s history
RESTORATION work on Llanelli’s 145-year-old railway goods shed is well under way after a decade of planning and fundraising.
The site is a derelict Grade II listed building designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and once played a crucial role in the development of Llanelli as a major industrial centre.
The Goods Shed Trust is working to transform the shed in Marsh Street into a hub for cultural, heritage, community and enterprise activities.
Clearance work undertaken over recent weeks has begun to reveal several structures which were operational elements within the goods yard.
The single-storey concrete framed Meals Store at the eastern end of the Goods Yard, serviced by siding No 10, has been revealed.
It was used to store sacks of grain and other agricultural feedstuffs prior to distribution to the farms of the district.
On the northern boundary of the Goods Yard close to the coal sidings – sidings Nos 8 and 9 – and on land owned by Network Rail, is a long and low concrete-roofed, block-built structure fronted by concrete base. It is thought to be a salt store; a similar structure is known to have existed near the Llandeilo Junction Signal Box.
Scarcely distinguishable amidst the dense vegetation is the loading ramp at the end of siding No 6. It is thought that it was used for unloading road vehicles from flatbed rail wagons. The intention, once cleared, is to retain the structure as a feature within the yard.
Work on clearing the huge amount of rubbish at the Goods Yard has been steadily continuing. Several skips full of concrete, general waste and metal have been filled and taken away.
Preparations are being made for the summer, which will see the arrival of a two-car Class 143 Pacer diesel multiple unit donated by Transport for Wales.
These units replaced the older 1950s/60s first generation of diesel multiple units from 1985 onwards and are now in turn being replaced by new vehicles.