Plans for a New Indoor Market in Llanelli
Carmarthenshire Council has released images of a proposed new indoor market for Llanelli, set to replace the current 1970s building on Vaughan Street. The design includes 14 retail units on the ground floor, 80 stalls on the first floor, and a central glass atrium above. Features such as bike racks, escalators, and first-floor toilets are planned, with deliveries via Mincing Lane and a few nearby parking spaces.
Structural Concerns with the Current Building
The existing market building, which dates from the 1970s and includes a multi-storey car park above, contains reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). This material is less durable than standard concrete and can fail when exposed to moisture. According to the council, significant work was undertaken in 2013 to maintain structural safety, along with ongoing maintenance.
Preferred Option and Design Details
After exploring options such as distributing stalls throughout the town or reusing the existing site after car park demolition, the council's preferred choice is a new-build market between 8-14 Vaughan Street, extending far to the rear. Six ground-floor retail units will face Vaughan Street, and the total market area will be 3,312 square metres. The design and access statement notes: "Internally each floor has a distinct identity and character. The internal route is deliberately meandering, encouraging visitors to explore past retail and market stalls. The first floor is more informal and accommodates the majority of market stalls. It also features a large café, visible from the entrance, which naturally draws visitors through the building and up to the first floor."
Mixed Reactions from Traders
The plans have split opinions among stallholders. Miriam Phillips, who runs a fruit and veg stall, said: "They look all right so far. It's still early days." She noted that traders had a meeting with council representatives about the plans last week. Parvez Akhtar, of Parvez Fashions, said he was "totally against" the proposals and called for upgrading the current market and focusing on filling empty shops. He felt the new market would be "very small" and deter visitors. "We need space and to display our products," he said. Gabor Hetesi, of Gabe's IT Repair, was optimistic: "The plans are looking good, it looks promising," but wondered about timescales and new rental arrangements.
Public Consultation and Future Steps
The council is seeking public views on the proposals by August 7 before submitting a full planning application. Councillor Hazel Evans, deputy council leader and cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: "These proposals represent an exciting opportunity to create a modern new home for Llanelli Market and further strengthen Llanelli town centre. Through the pre-application consultation process we want to hear the views of residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the proposals before a planning application is submitted." She added: "It is important to emphasise that Llanelli Market will remain open and continue trading throughout this process with any future relocation carefully planned to support traders and customers. Our ambition is to create a vibrant destination that supports traders, attracts visitors, and builds on Llanelli Market's proud history at the heart of the community."
