Bake Off star blames Council as award-winning bakery quits Llanelli after just one year

Saint Hugo Bakery, owned by Benjamin Condé who reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious baking competition in both 2022 and 2024, announced on social media that its Llanelli Market unit will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday 14 March.

The closure has sparked an outpouring of anger and disappointment from customers, many of whom have accused the council of driving yet another quality independent business out of the town.

In a Facebook post, the bakery said it would be “moving our energy to our other stores, our new Mumbles opening, and our production unit” following the closure.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of the council’s controversial plans to demolish Llanelli Market and relocate traders to a former Woolworths building on Vaughan Street, a move that has been met with widespread concern from stallholders.

The irony of the situation has not been lost on observers. When Saint Hugo opened in Llanelli Market, Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said the council was “thrilled to welcome Benjamin Condé and his new venture” and praised his “world-class creations.” The same councillor is now overseeing the market demolition plans that have contributed to the bakery’s departure.

The bakery opened in Llanelli Market around September 2025, just months after the council announced its intention to demolish the decades-old building which it says is approaching the “end of its structural life.”

Benjamin Condé, who honed his craft as a pastry chef in France and previously worked as executive pastry chef at the prestigious Dorchester Collection hotel in Ascot, returned to his Carmarthenshire roots to bring what he described as “a taste of France” to Llanelli.

The unit underwent a full refurbishment with state-of-the-art ovens and refrigerators before opening.

Customers responding to the closure announcement expressed frustration at losing what many described as a rare example of the kind of quality, independent business Llanelli desperately needs.

Alistair Corbett wrote: “Really sad to hear this. A wonderful addition to Llanelli town, and a much needed addition too. Artisan bakeries are usually found in the suburbs of cities like Cardiff, so to have your bakery in Llanelli town centre was a huge asset. Just what Llanelli needs; unique, interesting, independent businesses run by passionate people.”

Several commenters directly linked the closure to the council’s handling of the market situation.

Katy Lewis said: “What a shame but it’s no surprise to hear that Cyngor Sir Gâr – Carmarthenshire County Council have made it difficult for you, I’ve spoke to so many small businesses that wanted to set up in Llanelli and make the town better with their new and exciting ideas which we need but apparently CCC have just put so many obstacles in the way.”

Mia Savage added: “Llanelli needs more than betting shops, charity shops and pawn brokers. It needs a good scrub and polish of a lot of the buildings too. It could be nice but it is like the only thing the council seems to be good at is making more and more Hwbs. Sorry to hear that they are making it hard for yet another business. They want towns to be rejuvenated yet contradict that with silly high rents and taxes, making it almost impossible for small businesses to be profitable.”

Tracy Thomas warned: “There will be nothing left in Llanelli the way Carmarthenshire County Council are going.”

The council announced plans in July 2025 to relocate the market and potentially demolish the current building, which also houses the town’s only multi-storey car park with 527 spaces. The most likely option involves moving traders to the former Woolworths building using money from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with a target completion date of Spring 2028.

However, the proposed new location would see the market span two floors, raising questions about accessibility and shopper appeal. Critics have warned that the combined impact of losing both the market building and the car park above could push Llanelli’s already struggling town centre into further decline.

When the plans were announced, Cllr Evans said: “We’re faced with tight timescales to secure the money and ensure this option remains on the table. This is the beginning of a journey with our traders — their input is integral to how we design a new home for Llanelli Market.”

Saint Hugo Bakery’s other locations include shops in Swansea city centre and Uplands, with a new Mumbles store due to open soon. The business also operates a production unit.

At the time of opening, Benjamin Condé said: “Great food requires great ingredients, great technique and true love for food! At SAINT-HUGO every detail has been considered, to really bring flavour, passion and care to the forefront of the customer experience. Tasty food, great coffee… always.”

The Llanelli shop will close on Saturday 14 March, with the bakery encouraging customers to “come say goodbye before the doors close.”

A spokesperson for Carmarthenshire County Council said: “Having supported Mr Condé to establish Saint Hugo Bakery at Llanelli Market, Carmarthenshire County Council is saddened to hear that the business has chosen to leave.”

This article was updated on 26 February 2026 to include a response from Carmarthenshire County Council.

£146m Carmarthenshire capital plan includes market demolition, school upgrades and Debenhams delay

Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet has been told that the £40m transformation of the former Debenhams building in St Catherine’s Walk will require an extra £2m after engineers uncovered a structural issue during construction. The defect was not visible during earlier surveys and only emerged once extensive internal work had begun.

The building, which closed when Debenhams collapsed in 2021, is being turned into a new health, leisure and education hub with support from UK and Welsh Government funding. The council had hoped the site would open in 2026, but the newly identified problem is expected to push the timetable back.

Cllr Alun Lenny, cabinet member for resources, said the setback was unavoidable but insisted the project remained vital for the future of Carmarthen town centre. He said boarded‑up Debenhams stores continued to blight high streets elsewhere and that Carmarthenshire would not allow the same to happen.

Structural issue delays major town centre redevelopment

The council has not yet disclosed the nature of the defect, but a full report is being prepared for councillors and the public. The redevelopment will house community health services, council facilities, a 24‑hour gym, soft play, adventure golf, go‑karting and education space linked to Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Work began in 2024 and the council had originally targeted a 2026 opening. The additional £2m will be used to address the structural issue and keep the project moving.

Llanelli market and multi‑storey car park set for demolition

The capital programme confirms that Llanelli Market and the Murray Street multi‑storey car park above it are scheduled for demolition, with £2m allocated across 2028‑29 and 2029‑30. The market would relocate to Vaughan Street, a proposal that has already prompted concern from traders and opposition councillors.

Swansea Bay News has previously reported on calls for a clearer vision for the town centre and fears that the loss of the market and car park could further weaken footfall.

Former leisure centre to be knocked down

The former Llanelli Leisure Centre in Park Crescent is also earmarked for demolition, with £1.2m set aside for 2026‑27. The building has been empty since the new leisure centre opened and has been discussed as a potential site for Ysgol Dewi Sant, although no final decision has been made.

Investment in schools, roads and the Towy Valley path

The report outlines £5.2m for continued improvements at Ysgol Bryngwyn in Llanelli next year, alongside £12.9m for other school projects over the next five years. This is in addition to £46m already available but unspent.

A further £2.2m will be invested in parking areas, electric vehicle charging points and flood‑mitigation work along the Towy Valley shared‑use path between Carmarthen and Ffairfach, which is nearing completion.

Road repairs will receive £4.5m in 2026‑27, with continued spending on bridges, drainage and street lighting across the county.

Harbour and heritage buildings included in programme

Burry Port Harbour will receive another £1m in 2026‑27, following £1m already committed this year. Kidwelly Town Hall, a Grade II‑listed building, will undergo £1.1m of essential repairs over the next two years.

The council says the five‑year programme will be funded through a mix of Welsh Government grants, borrowing, council reserves and funding that has not yet been identified. The full budget will go before councillors on February 25.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli market move: Labour calls for trader‑led vision as concerns mount
Traders and opposition councillors react to proposals to relocate Llanelli Market.

Reaction to Llanelli market and car park plans: optimism, concern and calls for clarity
Mixed views as plans emerge to demolish the market and Murray Street multi‑storey.

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi‑storey car park
Community reaction as Carmarthenshire Council confirms demolition proposals.

Llanelli leisure centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant
The future of the former leisure centre site and its potential role in school planning.

Llanelli Market move: Labour calls for trader-led vision as concerns mount over town centre plans

Labour politicians in Llanelli have called for urgent public consultation and a comprehensive masterplan for the town centre, following Carmarthenshire County Council’s proposals to relocate the historic indoor market and demolish the ageing Murray Street multi-storey car park.

Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith and Town Council chair Cllr David Darkin say traders must be given a meaningful say in shaping the future of the market, which has served generations of shoppers and small businesses.

“What we really need is a proper vision for the town focusing on how we revitalise the town and increase footfall,” said Ms Griffith. “It should not be a piecemeal plan presented to them.”

The council recently unveiled four options for the market’s future, including temporary relocation, a move to Market Street South, or a shift to the former Woolworths building on Vaughan Street. A hybrid option would see some traders placed in vacant retail units across the town centre.

But concerns are growing that the proposals have been developed without sufficient input from those most affected. Cllr Darkin warned that traders feel they’ve been handed a “fait accompli,” and criticised the Plaid-led council for failing to engage with the Chamber of Trade’s long-standing calls for a town centre strategy.

“We need a proper strategy,” he said. “The Chamber of Trade has been calling for a proper plan for years but they have been ignored.”

The multi-storey car park above the market is believed to be suffering from “concrete cancer,” with structural assessments suggesting only a few years of life remain. The council has indicated that significant UK Government Levelling Up funding is available, but must be spent by Spring 2028.

Ms Griffith and Cllr Darkin will host a meeting with market traders at the Mayor’s Parlour on Tuesday, August 5 at 5.30pm, aiming to gather feedback and ensure local voices are heard before any decisions are finalised.

“We must do something,” said Ms Griffith, “but we need to make sure this isn’t used as an excuse to raise rents or push traders out. That would completely negate the whole aim of the project.”

The call for a masterplan echoes wider concerns about the future of Llanelli’s retail core, with many residents and business owners urging the council to publish a joined-up regeneration strategy that prioritises footfall, affordability, and long-term sustainability.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park
Covers initial proposals and public reaction to redevelopment plans affecting key town centre landmarks.

Reaction to Llanelli market and car park plans: optimism, concern and calls for clarity
Captures varied responses from traders, shoppers and civic leaders following the announcement.

Llanelli Town Council leader hits back at ‘lazy stereotyping’ in national media
Addresses wider perceptions of the town and the pushback from local leadership.

River Island rescue plan puts Swansea and Llanelli stores under pressure
Looks at implications for local retail as national chains reconsider regional footprints.

Second Welsh health board urges MMR uptake amid rising measles threat
Highlights coordinated public health efforts and regional vaccination initiatives.

Swansea’s MMR gaps: Why unvaccinated teens and students could trigger next outbreak
Investigates regional vulnerabilities and expert concerns about rising measles risks.

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #DavidDarkin #Llanelli #LlanelliMarket #LlanelliTownCouncil #MurrayStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #NiaGriffithMP #WelshLabour

Reaction to Llanelli Market and car park plans: optimism, concern and calls for clarity

Plans to relocate Llanelli Market and demolish the multi-storey car park above it have sparked a wave of reaction across the town — with political leaders urging ambition and pragmatism, and residents voicing deep concern over the impact on footfall, heritage and the market’s identity.

Political leaders back regeneration — but urge caution

Dame Nia Griffith MP welcomed the council’s bid to draw down UK Government Levelling Up funding, calling the move to Vaughan Street a “bold” but necessary step.

“No change is easy, but we have to face the reality that the current structure is coming to the end of its life,” she said. “What’s really important is that stallholders can continue trading without disruption — and that the council consults carefully on what replaces the current site. Adequate, convenient parking close to the town centre is vital for increasing footfall.”

Cllr David Darkin, Chair of Llanelli Town Council, described the relocation as a “significant opportunity” and stressed the importance of public engagement.

“This must be a transparent, inclusive process that builds trust and ensures local voices are heard,” he said. “We must ensure every pound of public money delivers maximum value — not just in infrastructure, but in jobs, skills and local economic growth.”

Lee Waters MS echoed the need for careful planning, saying the market must remain central to Llanelli’s identity.

“Any relocation must strengthen — not weaken — its role at the heart of our community,” he said. “It’s not just about buildings — it’s about making the town centre a place people want to come to, shop in, and be proud of.”

Independent Councillor Sean Rees for the Glanymor Ward described the market as a “cornerstone of our town’s identity”.

“Our traders are its heart and soul offering not only their goods and services but always providing a warm welcome for all who visit” he said. “It’s crucial that the Council now works closely with our traders to ensure any move meets their needs. Supporting our local businesses and maintaining the Market’s character must be at the heart of the plans.”

Public reaction: divided, passionate and deeply personal

On social media, residents expressed a mix of frustration, nostalgia and scepticism — with many fearing the market’s character will be lost if moved to the former Woolworths building.

• “They must keep the market, definitely not like Carmarthen. It lost character when redeveloped.” – Seren Roberts
• “Go ahead, demolish yet another building and replace it with a glass and steel monstrosity. Death knell for centre of Llanelli.” – Anita Aamp
• “Why can’t some things stay as they are? I understand it needs modernising, but demolishing it to build new?” – Jane Jones
• “The market is the only positive thing in town! Who are these useless tools that think they know better?” – Jonathan Smith

Others defended the council’s decision, citing safety concerns and the need for long-term planning.

• “Keep it open and risk the lives of traders or close it and keep them safe? I know which I’d choose.” – Susan Davies
• “It’s falling down. Sorry for the market, but I moved out because the shop was in bad condition.” – Deane Bowler, former trader

Some questioned the viability of the Woolworths site, citing size constraints, parking access and transparency.

• “The stalls wouldn’t fit into the Woolworths store.” – Sian Howell
• “Why don’t they rebuild a new market on the same site after it’s been demolished?” – Kathryn Jenkins
• “Do you think the council are even aware that the unit they keep calling ‘former Woolworths’ is actually occupied?” – Robert Davies

What’s next?

Carmarthenshire Council is expected to submit a pre-planning application for the Vaughan Street site in the coming weeks — a move designed to keep the funding option alive, even if the proposal is later withdrawn.

Officials say the market will not close, and that monthly inspections continue to ensure the current building remains safe. But with the structure’s lifespan limited and funding deadlines looming, the town faces a pivotal decision — one that could reshape its retail core for decades to come.

Related stories on Llanelli regeneration and retail futures

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park
Published July 2025: Carmarthenshire Council consults traders on relocating Llanelli Market as the building nears end of life, with demolition plans for the town’s only multi-storey car park.

Decision on new Heol Goffa school expected this month
Published July 2025: Council cabinet member says a definitive proposal for a new special school in Llanelli is imminent, following years of delays and community campaigning.

Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust honoured with national heritage award
Published June 2025: Community-led restoration project wins UK-wide recognition for its work transforming a historic railway building into a cultural and enterprise hub.

The future of retail in Swansea: the shops you want, the brands we asked, and what comes next
Published May 2025: Swansea Bay News readers share their views on retail gaps, brand wishlists and what’s needed to revitalise the city centre shopping experience.

#carPark #CarmarthenshireCouncil #DavidDarkin #LeeWatersMS #Llanelli #LlanelliMarket #LlanelliTownCouncil #MurrayStreet #MurrayStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #NiaGriffithMP #retail #VaughanStreet #Woolworth

Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park

Llanelli’s covered market and its only multi-storey car park — housed in the same building — look set to be permanently dismantled, as Carmarthenshire County Council pushes forward with plans to relocate the market and demolish the decades-old structure beneath which it operates.

The complex has long served as a landmark in the town centre, with traders occupying the ground floor and over 500 parking spaces stacked above. But now, officials say the building is approaching the end of its structural life, prompting an urgent search for a new home for the market.

At an initial engagement meeting held on Tuesday 22 July, traders were presented with four relocation options — the most likely being a move to the former Woolworths building at 8–12 Vaughan Street, using money from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. That option hinges on securing £3,664m² of redeveloped commercial space by Spring 2028 — and requires a pre-planning application within weeks.

“Tight timescales” — but no closure

Council officials say the market will not close, and that engineers continue to monitor the building’s safety through monthly inspections and repairs. However, the future of Llanelli Market as a physical destination is now entwined with the timetable of external funding.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“We’re faced with tight timescales to secure the money and ensure this option remains on the table. This is the beginning of a journey with our traders — their input is integral to how we design a new home for Llanelli Market.”

Submitting a pre-planning application now keeps the Woolworths option alive — even if it’s later withdrawn — but any delay risks forfeiting the funding altogether.

Car park closure will displace hundreds of long-stay bays

The 56-year-old multi-storey, built in 1969, contains 527 spaces, mostly long-stay. Average daily usage hovers at 224 tickets — but actual occupancy rates are lower. Once demolished, the council says displaced vehicles can be absorbed across other town centre car parks, with plans to adjust short-stay allocations where needed.

Critics warn that losing the multi-storey removes a major draw for shoppers and visitors, at a time when Llanelli’s retail core has already been hollowed out by out-of-town developments like Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton.

Two-storey market concerns

If relocated to Vaughan Street, the market could span two floors, raising questions about accessibility and shopper appeal. The council insists successful examples exist elsewhere — and says architects will work with traders to shape the design.

Still, some stallholders and residents say the priority should be keeping the market central, accessible and visible. Others fear that the combined impact of losing the market building and the car park above will push the town centre further into decline.

Carmarthenshire Council says no final decisions have been made — and that all options remain on the table. But with structural concerns mounting and deadlines looming, Llanelli’s market traders may soon be forced to pack up and move, whether they’re ready or not.

#carPark #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrHazelEvans #demolition #featured #Llanelli #LlanelliMarket #market #multiStoreyCarPark #MurrayStreet #MurrayStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #StElliShoppingCentre #VaughanStreet #Woolworth

New business welcomed to Llanelli Market

Named SAINT- HUGO, the bakery draws inspiration from Benjamin’s time living in France, where he honed his craft as a pastry chef. The space has undergone a full refurbishment, featuring state-of-the-art ovens and refrigerators.

While Benjamin may be most recognized for his appearance as a quarter-finalist on Bake Off: The Professionals, he has returned to his roots in Carmarthenshire to offer locals a taste of France with his renowned pastries.

With a wealth of experience at the highest level, including his role as executive pastry chef at the prestigious Dorchester Collection hotel in Ascot, Benjamin is excited to bring his expertise to the area.

Benjamin had this to say about his latest venture:

“Great food requires great ingredients, great technique and true love for food!

“At SAINT-HUGO every detail has been considered, to really bring flavour, passion and care to the forefront of the customer experience. Tasty food, great coffee… always.” 

Carmarthenshire County Councils Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented:

“On behalf of the County Council, we are thrilled to welcome Benjamin Condé and his new venture, Saint Hugo, to Llanelli Market.

“His expertise and passion for pastry are a wonderful addition to our community, and we are excited for residents and visitors to experience his world-class creations.

“Llanelli market is a great venue to go and experience a range of different businesses, I can’t wait to visit.”

[Lead image: Carmarthenshire County Council]

#bakery #LlanelliMarket #SaintHugo