Refurbishment project aims to breathe new life into Llanelli
TWO refurbished shop units and four brand-new apartments have been launched in Llanelli town centre.
This renovation project is the first part of an overall scheme led by Carmarthenshire County Council to regenerate the town and boost footfall.
Officers are now actively marketing the Stepney Street shop units to attract new businesses to one of the town’s main shopping streets, while tenants will soon move in to the new Tŷ Stepni apartments.
The properties are available on a competitive rate, and, coupled with reduced business rates being offered by the Welsh Government under its business rate relief scheme, it offers an attractive package to those thinking of opening up shop in Llanelli.
They were among the first bought by Carmarthenshire County Council as part of its Opportunity Street scheme, in which investment has been made by buying vacant units from private ownership and starting works to bring these properties back to the market.
Money from the council’s capital budget has been boosted by the Welsh Government, which has provided finance from its Vibrant and Viable Places fund.
Since 2014, 15 properties and a development site have been bought, meaning the council can now market and attract new businesses, set affordable levels of rent to help businesses get established, and create quality living accommodation above street level.
Councillor Emlyn Dole, leader of the council, said: “Our Opportunity Street project has already started to improve the appearance of Llanelli town centre, which we hope will provide new confidence that Llanelli is a place to invest and do business.
“We have gained control of a portfolio of buildings within the town centre which is part of our longterm plans to ensure that commercial space is accessible and affordable for individuals and businesses looking to make an impact within the local economy.
“We are pleased to have launched the first of the refurbished buildings this week, which demonstrates the commitment we have made as a council to regenerate Llanelli town centre. We look forward to welcoming two new businesses within the retail units and the first tenants to the new Tŷ Stepni apartments in the very near future.
“These two new shops are being actively marketed and rental levels are competitive for Llanelli. We hope this will be an attractive offer to businesses who can make an impact on the town centre and the local economy.”