Llandelio’s Old Market opens its doors once again

Carmarthenshire Council, who were behind the renovation, held an opening event on Thursday (29 June) for funding partners and stakeholders, with an official opening date for the public to be announced shortly.

Constructed in the 1830s, the provisions market had been a key part of Llandeilo’s history up until 2002 when it became disused. The market fell into a state of disrepair and was placed on the ‘buildings at risk register’ having been classified as vulnerable in 2007.

Planning consent was granted in 2019 and Carmarthenshire County Council set about refurbishing the Grade II listed building to bring it back into use.

The council says that the revamped market hall will provide a mix of high-quality modern office and business employment space with an onsite café and parking.

The £4.2m project has received funding of £2.5m from Carmarthenshire County Council along with £1.7m via the Welsh Government’s ‘Transforming Towns – Building for the Future programme’ and the European Regional Development Fund.

The work to renovate the Market Hall has been carried out by TRJ Builders, from Ammanford.

Businesses are expected to trade from Yr Hen Farchnad in the coming weeks with the modern facility expected to accommodate 45 jobs and 4 traineeships.

The 1,249m2 floor space accommodates for 18 trading units with, so far, 14 small to medium-size enterprises having already agreed tenancies to occupy 15 units, including the café.

Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Market Halls were once the heartbeat of a community, a place for socialising as well as commerce, with this building in Llandeilo first built in the 1830s.

“Our plan was to make it a centre once again for business, one where people mixed and built local networks, in an environment that was both modern and accessible. I am delighted to see it renovated and open once again.”

Julie James, Welsh Government Climate Change Minister, said: “It is great to see the Grade II Market hall being reopened for the local community.

“The Yr Hen Farchnad was successful recipient of £1.7m funding from our Transforming Towns programme and I look forward to visiting.”

(Lead image: Carmarthenshire Council)