Bouygues UK embarks on a significant transformation of the former Debenhams store in Carmarthen, aiming to revitalise the area.
- The £25 million project will convert the space into the Carmarthen Health & Wellbeing Hwb, offering health and leisure facilities.
- Key partners include Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
- The centre will feature community health services, a gym, a family entertainment centre with various amenities to attract visitors.
- The project highlights Bouygues UK’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Bouygues UK has initiated the redevelopment of the former Debenhams site in Carmarthen, a project valued at £25 million, marking a substantial investment in the town’s infrastructure. This endeavour will see the former department store transformed into the Carmarthen Health & Wellbeing Hwb, a mixed-use centre designed to reinvigorate Carmarthen’s town centre by attracting visitors and providing valuable services to the community.
The transformation involves collaboration with several key partners. The Carmarthenshire County Council joins forces with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to breathe new life into the 8,000 square metre space. The purpose is not only to revive the physical site but also to offer diverse facilities that promote health and leisure.
Central to the project’s vision is the integration of community health services managed by Hywel Dda University Health Board. Additionally, Actif Sport and Leisure will operate a gym within the complex, expanding the local fitness landscape. This synergy of health and wellness services aims to provide a holistic approach to community health.
The centre will host a family entertainment venue, inclusive of adventure golf, a soft play area, and kiddy go-karting. These attractions, alongside a café and party rooms, are set to draw families and individuals, fostering a vibrant social hub in the heart of the town. The hope is to revitalise footfall in Carmarthen’s town centre, thereby stimulating economic activity and growth.
Bouygues UK’s approach, as articulated by John Boughton, the company’s Wales managing director, focuses on refurbishing rather than rebuilding. This aligns with their commitment to sustainability and environmental considerations, ensuring the project leverages local resources and talent. Through this development, the company aims to create an accessible base for education, health, and leisure that will serve the community effectively.
Lee Davies from Hywel Dda University Health Board remarked on the project’s potential to centralise health and wellbeing services for the benefit of the local population. By consolidating these services in a strategic location, the initiative is poised to enhance access and convenience for residents.
The closure of Debenhams in May 2021 had a notable impact on local commerce; however, this redevelopment signifies a renewed optimism for Carmarthen’s economic landscape. The introduction of innovative facilities is expected to draw both locals and visitors, fostering a renewed vibrancy in the area.
The transformation of Carmarthen’s old Debenhams into a health and wellbeing hub is a beacon of positive change and community enrichment.
