Council announces funding to bring empty commercial buildings in Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen back into use

The funding, through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme aims to develop empty and derelict buildings in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli town centres for commercial use by refurbishing and re-purposing them.

The funding also supports green infrastructure to improve biodiversity and enhance public spaces.

The grant will be open for applications from June 7 until August 30, 2023 with all projects completed by the January 31, 2025.

The council says applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

In circumstances where the project cost is lower than £250,000, an intervention rate of up to 70% against total project costs may be available. Applications over £250,000 must be of a strategic nature and will be considered via Welsh Government’s capital panel and a grant intervention rate of up to 45% may be available.

The amount of funding will be set at the minimum level needed for the project to proceed.

Carmarthenshire Council say that there is a limited amount of funds available and this will be awarded on a first come first serve basis. Funding will only be available in the three primary towns; Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli.

Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Our town centres play an integral part within Carmarthenshire’s economy and it is very important that we, as the County Council, continue to support businesses that trade there.

“I, therefore, welcome the Transforming Towns funding that is provided by the Welsh Government and encourage owners and leaseholders of empty and derelict buildings in Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen town centres to get in touch with the Council, at the earliest possible opportunity, to discuss potential opportunities to bring these buildings back to trading on our high streets.”

(Lead image: Carmarthenshire Council)