Businesses have been encouraged to express their interest in commercial space within Llanelli town centre's grand old YMCA building as work progresses to breathe new life into it. A crane hovers over the Stepney Street landmark, which overlooks Spring Gardens, as transformation works are carried out by contractors TRJ.
We reported in December 2020 how Carmarthenshire Council's planning committee unanimously approved plans to turn transform the building into new commercial units, offices and flats. The council's plans comprise the reinstatement of the front facade and perimeter wall, although the existing pitched roof and chimneys will be replaced by a recessed, fourth-floor extension.
The adjoining two-floor building at the rear will be demolished and replaced with a four-floor one. There will be five retail units which could feature shops, cafes and financial services like estate agents, five first floor offices and eight flats on the upper two floors. The rental flats will be let and managed by the council. Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
READ MORE: Nightclub which never reopened after coronavirus pandemic finally set to return in Llanelli
Providing an update on the plans, Carmarthenshire Council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, councillor Gareth John, said: “Development work is progressing well at the YMCA building in Llanelli as we are working closely with the contractor, TRJ at the site. Most recently, the installation of cladding has started to the rear of the building and, following this, the building will be made watertight and windows installed.
“Once this is complete, and starting with the top floors, the internals of the building will then begin to take shape. The council will look to release the commercial space within the building to the open market, later this year. We would encourage businesses that are interested in leasing the commercial space to get in touch in order to be added to our interest list.”
READ NEXT:
- Council tax rise of 6.8% looking very likely in Carmarthenshire
- Deputy mayor swore at fellow councillor and used discriminatory language
- The new school where every classroom will have its own outdoor area
- An emergency housing allocation policy has been approved in Carmarthenshire
- Construction work set to last weeks still ongoing 10 months later
