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.
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