New images reveal detail of Llanelli’s proposed transport hub as plans formally submitted

A greener, safer gateway

The full planning application, prepared by AtkinsRéalis, sets out how the southern side of the station would be transformed into a modern transport hub. The latest drawings show two new bus stops with cantilevered shelters topped by green roofs, real‑time passenger information boards, and a redesigned car park with 40 spaces, including bays for disabled users, motorbikes and electric vehicles.

A new 2‑metre wide footway would run through the site, linking Copperworks Road and Station Road, while a series of raised and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings are planned to make it easier and safer to move between the station, bus stops and surrounding streets. Cycle users would benefit from a 22‑space covered bike shelter, also designed with a green roof.

Landscaping is a key part of the design, with existing poor‑quality scrub and hedgerow replaced by semi‑mature tree planting to screen the site from nearby homes. The plans also include bioretention areas to manage surface water and improve biodiversity.

Public backing

The consultation report shows that 88% of respondents believed Llanelli would benefit from the interchange, with more than four in five saying it would encourage them to use public transport more often.

One resident commented that the hub would “finally bring buses and trains together in one place,” while another said it would “make the station feel like a proper gateway to the town rather than a back entrance.”

Concerns were raised about whether the bus facilities would be fully used, given the current limited services on Station Road. The council’s response was that the interchange is designed for future growth, particularly with developments such as Pentre Awel expected to increase demand.

Other feedback led to changes in the final design: pedestrian crossings were revised, cycle shelters relocated, and the dimensions of disabled and EV bays adjusted.

Part of a wider regeneration picture

The interchange is not being developed in isolation. It is intended to complement the £200m Pentre Awel wellness and life science village, which opened its first phase earlier this year. The landmark development on Llanelli’s coastline is expected to create around 2,000 jobs and attract thousands of visitors, making improved transport links essential.

It also ties into Carmarthenshire Council’s new town centre masterplans for Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, which set out how empty buildings will be brought back into use, new homes created, and public spaces improved. The council has been clear that better transport connectivity is central to making town centres more vibrant and accessible.

Closer to the station itself, the demolition of the Four Tys housing blocks in Tyisha has now been completed, paving the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space. The interchange is seen as a vital link in reconnecting Tyisha with the town centre and wider region.

“Enhancing access to sustainable transport”

Cllr Edward Thomas, Carmarthenshire’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure, said earlier this year:

“We are looking for feedback to help shape plans for Llanelli Multi‑Modal Interchange to ensure that we are providing an appropriate solution that enhances access to more sustainable transport opportunities to support Llanelli into the future.”

Next steps

If approved, the interchange would be built in phases alongside the existing station, with construction carefully managed to minimise disruption. The council says the project is a vital part of its strategy to reduce car dependency, improve access to jobs and education, and support the wider regeneration of Llanelli.

Related Llanelli regeneration stories

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli
The landmark £200m wellness and life science village has welcomed its first visitors, promising 2,000 jobs and a major boost to the local economy.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out
Carmarthenshire Council unveils masterplans to revitalise town centres, bring empty buildings back into use and create new homes and jobs.

‘Four Tys’ housing blocks in Llanelli set to be demolished
The demolition of the Tyisha tower blocks has cleared the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space.

#busStation #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrEdwardThomas #Llanelli #LlanelliRailwayStation #LlanelliTrainStation #LlanelliTransportHub #multiModalInterchange #PentreAwel #planningApplication #publicTransport #townCentreMasterplan #TransportHub #Tyisha

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli after years of anticipation

Residents and local sports clubs were the first through the doors of Canolfan Pentre Awel on Wednesday (15 October), the flagship first phase of the 83‑acre development at Delta Lakes.

The centrepiece leisure hub boasts a 25‑metre, eight‑lane swimming pool, learner pool, hydrotherapy pool, cutting‑edge gym, eight‑court sports hall, and dedicated spin and dance studios. Community spaces, meeting rooms, a café, and scenic coastal paths also form part of the new facility.

A milestone for Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council leader Cllr Darren Price hailed the opening as “a clear example of what we can achieve through collaboration across services, sectors, and communities.”

Cabinet member Cllr Hazel Evans described the centre as “a cornerstone of our vision for a stronger, healthier Carmarthenshire,” adding that it was designed to be “centred around our community and a true example of what can be achieved when all sectors come together.”

The £40m Swansea Bay City Deal contribution, alongside funding from UK and Welsh Governments and the council, has underpinned the project.

From Tinopolis to Breezy Village

19th Century – Tinopolis
Llanelli earned the nickname ‘Tinopolis’ as it became a global centre of tinplate production. Families worked in hot, dangerous conditions producing tinplate for everything from food cans to toys. Felinfoel Brewery even filled the first tinplate beer cans in Britain.

1861 – Brickworks
William Thomas established a brickworks on the Delta Lakes site, using rich clay deposits. He also built workers’ housing known as Brick Row to support Llanelli’s early growth.

Late 19th to mid-20th Century – Tinplate Works
The South Wales Tinplate Works, founded by Edward Moorewood and John Rogers, dominated the area with mills, rail sidings and loading bays. Expanded in 1911, the works thrived until post-war decline led to demolition by 1951.

1960s–1990s – Delta Lakes
As heavy industry faded, the former shipping channel was landscaped into Delta Lakes. New paths and roads were laid, including the roundabout still seen today.

2025 – Pentre Awel
The site is reborn as Canolfan Pentre Awel, a £218m wellness village. Its name, meaning “Breezy Village”, reflects the coastal setting, while the architecture pays tribute to the area’s industrial heritage with light‑filled spaces and natural materials designed to “bring the outside in”.

End of an era for Jubilee Pool

The opening also signals the closure of Llanelli Leisure Centre and Jubilee Pool, which had served the town since 1963.

Llanelli Amateur Swimming Club marked the moment by becoming the last to train at the old pool and the first to dive into the new one. Club secretary Nicola Morris said the move offered “security” after years of uncertainty caused by repairs and closures.

Lifeguard Teyan Burt reflected on the handover as “the end of an era,” paying tribute to the centre’s 62 years of service.

Mixed community reaction

While many residents welcomed the state‑of‑the‑art facilities, others voiced concerns about the project’s cost and location.

Town centre traders Jane McDonald and Becky Foden told the BBC they feared the out‑of‑town site could draw footfall away from the market and high street. “It looks all right [but] it’s a lot of money,” said Becky. “What about our market? And our town centre?”

By contrast, Edward Morgan, 82, from Burry Port, said he was optimistic: “I think it’s certainly an improvement from the old swimming pool… I plan to use the onsite healthcare facilities for my regular blood tests.”

What’s next

The wider £218m Pentre Awel project will be delivered in phases over the coming years. Plans include 370 assisted living units, healthcare and research facilities, business incubation space, housing, a nursing home, and a hotel.

Spanning an area equivalent to 40 rugby pitches, the development is billed as the first of its kind in Wales, bringing together health, leisure, business, and community services on one coastal site.

An official opening ceremony with UK and Welsh Government representatives is expected later this year.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Llanelli Leisure Centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant
Plans are being considered to repurpose the old leisure centre following the move to Pentre Awel.

Plans submitted for new 120-bed hotel on Llanelli’s coast
A major new hotel development is proposed as part of the wider regeneration of the town’s waterfront.

Construction starts on Llanelli’s Pentre Awel wellness village
Work began on the landmark £200m project at Delta Lakes.

Planning approved for Llanelli’s multi-million pound Pentre Awel development
Councillors gave the green light for the ambitious scheme at Delta Lakes.

Council appoints contractor to deliver Llanelli’s Pentre Awel scheme
The main contractor was confirmed to lead the first phase of the project.

#BouyguesUK #CanolfanPentreAwel #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrDarrenPrice #CllrHazelEvans #construction #danceStudio #DeltaLakes #featured #gym #JubileePool #LeisureCentre #Llanelli #LlanelliLeisureCentre #PentreAwel #sportsHall #SwanseaBayCityDeal #swimmingPool #WellnessCentre

First Cymru announces major bus network overhaul across South & West Wales

Bus operator First Cymru is rolling out a comprehensive set of changes to its South and West Wales network from Sunday 31 August 2025, with revised timetables, new routes, and increased service frequencies designed to improve reliability and connectivity across the region.

The updates span Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, and the Vale of Glamorgan, and have been developed in collaboration with local councils — including funding support from Carmarthenshire County Council.

New Services & Route Extensions

• L11 (Llanelli–Kidwelly): A brand-new hourly service via Burry Port and Pembrey, funded by Carmarthenshire County Council.
• 6A (Swansea–Grenfell Park): New weekday service via SA1.
• X1 (Swansea–Bridgend): Now extended to Swansea University’s Singleton Campus with larger double decker buses.
• 39 (Swansea–Tycoch): Will now operate Monday to Friday during college holidays, extending beyond its previous term-time-only schedule.
• 195 & 197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Extended to Parc Trostre, with the 197 also serving Ffos Las Estate.
• 69 (Bridgend–Cefn Glas): Now operating via Angel Street and Glan y Parc.
• X2 (Porthcawl–Cardiff): Rerouted through Neville Street and Fitzhamon Embankment, avoiding Westgate Street.

Increased Frequencies

• L3 (Llanelli–Pontarddulais): Now running every 60 minutes.
• 321 (Llantwit Major–Talbot Green): Increased to hourly service.
• 87 (Neath–Margam): Additional trips during college holidays and extended journeys to Dalton Road.

Route Revisions

• L1 & L2: Now serving the new Pentre Awel development.
• 128: Will operate via Cross Hands Business Park.
• 129: Will bypass Pantyffynnon via the A483.
• 84, 81 & 82: Will now terminate at Port Talbot Parkway Station.
• 59 & 83: Interlinked at Pontrhydyfen for seamless travel between Neath and the Afan Valley.

College Services Updated

Services 901–907, connecting various towns to Neath College, will have revised timetables to improve punctuality for the new academic year.

Withdrawals

• 103 (Ammanford–Llandybie): Withdrawn and replaced by services 165 and X13.

Timetable Tweaks Across the Network

In addition to new routes and service extensions, many existing services will see timetable adjustments aimed at improving punctuality and better aligning with passenger demand. These include:

• L1–L7 (Llanelli area): All services revised to improve reliability, with L1 and L2 also rerouted via Pentre Awel.
• 124–129 (Ammanford area): Timetables adjusted for punctuality; 128 and 129 also feature route changes.
• 145–146, 165–166 (Carmarthenshire): Updated schedules, with 166 gaining Saturday trips and replacing some weekday-only journeys.
• 195–197 (Llanelli–Carmarthen): Timetables revised alongside route extensions.
• 6, 29, 34, 39 (Swansea): All revised for punctuality, with service 39 now running during college holidays.
• 56, 59, 81–83, 87 (Neath Port Talbot): Adjustments include extended routes and improved connections, especially between Neath and the Afan Valley.
• 901–907 (Neath College services): Timetables updated to support the new academic year.
• 69, X2 (Bridgend & Cardiff): Revised schedules and rerouted paths to improve access and reduce delays.
• 321 (Vale of Glamorgan): Increased frequency to hourly service.

Local Collaboration

The overhaul reflects extensive collaboration with local authorities and feedback from passengers, aiming to create a more responsive and efficient public transport network.

Plan Ahead

All changes take effect from Sunday 31 August 2025. Passengers are advised to check updated timetables before travelling.

#103 #129 #195 #197 #321 #39 #59 #69 #6A #81 #82 #83 #84 #AfanValley #Ammanford #Bridgend #Bus #CrossHands #featured #FirstCymru #GrenfellPark #GwendraethValley #Kidwelly #L1 #L11 #L2 #L3 #Llanelli #NeathValley #PentreAwel #Pontrhydyfen #PortTalbot #PortTalbotParkway #PortTennant #SingletonCampus #SwanseaUniversity #timetable #X1 #X2

Llanelli Leisure Centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant

Once completed, the council’s new Pentre Awel development at Delta Lakes will house brand new leisure centre facilities.

The council are now debating the use of the current Llanelli leisure centre site, with education chiefs suggesting that it is used as a location for a new Ysgol Dewi Sant.

Council officers will now assess the site to see if it is suitable for a new school, and put forward an outline planning application.

Councillor Glynog Davies, the council’s cabinet member for education and Welsh language said: “The outcome of the outline planning will inform the possibility of locating the replacement school building for Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant on the Llanelli Leisure Centre site,” 

Original £9.1m plans to relocate Ysgol Dewi Sant to recreational land in the Llanerch area of Llanelli was put on hold in 2018 before finally being shelved in 2020 following local resident’s concerns.

Chairman of Ysgol Dewi Sant’s governing body, Michael Bassett said: “We have trusted the process set by the authority of earmarking a suitable site and are pleased to hear that the authority is investigating a particular site in the hope that it will offer our school a suitable new home.

“A recent report by Estyn inspectors states that teaching standards at the school are of the highest standard, and I would like to thank all the school staff and pupils for their patience and excellent work. We very much hope that these early investigations will enable the school to develop and promote the Welsh language in the town.”

Rob James, an Independent Llanelli Councillor who represents the Lliedi ward who attended Ysgol Dewi Sant as a child, said he and the late Cllr Anthony Leyshon, who had also attended the school, had met council officers to press the case for a new site for Ysgol Dewi Sant over a period of years.

Cllr Rob James said: “We can finally announce that Carmarthenshire Council will soon commence investigative work on the suitability of using the current Llanelli Leisure Centre for the new Ysgol Gymraeg Dewi Sant.

“Cllr Anthony Leyshon and I discussed the need for a new site to be identified for the school over the last few years with senior council officers and it is fantastic that investigative works will soon begin.

“There are a number of challenges and opportunities in using the current leisure site for the school and I am eager to hear from pupils, teachings staff, parents and residents on this proposal.”

Concerns have already been raised around the suitability of the site to accommodate the anticipated additional school traffic on Park Crescent and Old Castle Road, as well as the need to segregate traffic and parking for the adjacent Selwyn Samuel Centre.

Campaigners have also raised the need to find a new location for Heol Goffa special school, and how this is a more pressing need than relocating Ysgol Dewi Sant.

Writing on social media, Richard Joseph Young said: “Why not use it for Heol Goffa school. Ramps, lifts, pools to use for hydrotherapy. Parking and parks near. Come on use your small brain. After 10 years of lies for Heol Goffa school, you owe it to these children and their parents.”

Carol West added: “You do have the Selwyn Samuel there with constant traffic. And access isn’t good. Cars park everywhere when picking up. Have you seen the road at the moment around Dewi Sant.. It’s gridlock. I don’t see where in that area you could accommodate that amount of traffic”

Deb Messing also thought the site would be better used for Heol Goffa, saying: “It’s a great location for Heol Goffa and most Heol Goffa children are taken to school by mini bus. Rather than individual children in individual cars so a lot less cars than if Dewi Sant was there. Then the existing Heol Goffa site could be used as a site for the new Dewi Sant, ideal location as it is in the same area. Parents without transport would have a lot further to walk to town.”

No decision has yet been made on the future of Heol Goffa school.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrGlynogDavies #CllrRobJames #education #featured #LeisureCentre #Llanelli #LlanelliLeisureCentre #newSchool #PentreAwel #YsgolDewiSant

Plans submitted for new 120-bed hotel on Llanelli’s coast

The plans would see a five-storey 120-bed hotel built on land between the Machynys housing development and the Pentre Awel health and leisure complex.

Outline plans have been submitted to Carmarthenshire Council by developers Ove Arup and Partners Ltd who say the proposals would result in a “high-quality destination for visitors which would support the local tourism economy in a sustainable location and contribute positively to the economic and cultural growth of Llanelli and the wider region”.

The brownfield site was historically used as part of the Machynys brickworks and part of the sprawling industrial dockland area of the town.

Existing woodland would be retained as part of the proposals as well as some ecological mitigation between the hotel and the nearby housing.

A 140 space car park would also be constructed, including electric car charging facilities.

A hotel was first given planning approval on the site over 10 years ago in 2013, howebver nothing has been developed until now.

No information on planned operators of the hotel have been revealed.

The hotel proposals on the B4304 lie across the road from Carmarthenshire Council’s huge new Pentre Awel site at Delta Lakes. Built by construction company Bouygues UK, the scheme being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and colleges is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million).

The council says Pentre Awel aims to create around 1,800 jobs over 15 years and boost the local economy by more than £450m.

The development includes a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and hydrotherapy pool together with education, research and business development space; a clinical research and delivery centre; and a well-being skills centre. 

Future planned development includes 35 new homes to the south of the hotel site.

(Lead image: Carmarthenshire Council)

#Arup #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #DeltaLakes #featured #hotel #Llanelli #Machynys #PentreAwel

Carmarthenshire County Council and Bouygues UK host a Christmas carol service at Canolfan Pentre Awel

Christmas came early at Llanelli’s state-of-the-art Pentre Awel as a local school and Carmarthenshire Music Services performed carols for guests to spread some festive cheer ahead of the holidays.

Guests included members of Carmarthenshire County Council, Chair Cllr Handel Davies and local Councillors, Cllr Louvain Roberts and Cllr Sean Rees as well as Bouygues UK team members and local supply chain partners.

They enjoyed performances of Hark, The Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night and O, Come All Ye Faithful in Pentre Awel’s atrium and festive treats with all monies raised being donated to LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity.

Nina Williams, Bouygues UK’s social advisor for Pentre Awel, said:

“Social value is really important to us at Bouygues UK and what better way to celebrate our collaborative approach with our partners and the community than singing some much-loved carols.

“On behalf of the whole Pentre Awel project team, we wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”

Chair of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Handel Davies, who was in attendance in the event added:

“Thank you to Bouygues UK for organising the event this afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances and the opportunity to raise money for LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer charity, which will contribute to supporting children and their families through treatment.” 

Pentre Awel is a truly collaborative scheme being delivered for the local community by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and colleges and is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million). It aims to create around 1,800 jobs over 15 years and boost the local economy by more than £450m.

The development will include a new state-of-the-art leisure centre and hydrotherapy pool together with education, research and business development space; a clinical research and delivery centre; and a well-being skills centre. Externally, Pentre Awel will enjoy landscaped outdoor public spaces for recreation, walking and cycling.

[Lead image: Carmarthenshire County Council]

#BouyguesUK #CarmarthenshireCouncil #PentreAwel