The authority says the proposals build on the COVID‑19 recovery masterplans drawn up in 2021, which reviewed regeneration activity and set strategies to support recovery and long‑term growth. Those earlier plans focused on strengthening each town’s distinctiveness, diversifying uses, improving connections and supporting local businesses. Since then, the council says “significant works” have been undertaken across the three towns, providing the context for the new placemaking plans.
Llanelli
In Llanelli, the process comes at a pivotal moment. The council has confirmed that the Murray Street multi‑storey car park and the indoor market beneath it are nearing the end of their structural life. Proposals to demolish the building and relocate the market have divided opinion, with some traders fearing a loss of footfall while others see an opportunity to modernise.
The recovery masterplan also flagged structural concerns with the Tinopolis building (the former Tesco site), noting that any long‑term regeneration strategy will need to take this into account. Together with the car park and market, this leaves a significant swathe of the town centre in play for redevelopment. Another site in the mix is the derelict former Market Street nightclub, which has been suggested locally as a possible alternative location for a relocated market.
The masterplan further highlighted the need to improve links between the town centre and the coast, and to broaden the offer beyond retail with cultural and leisure uses.
Carmarthen
Carmarthen’s recovery plan reflected its dual role as a historic county town and a regional shopping hub. The closure of major chains such as Debenhams has left large units vacant, and the masterplan suggested repurposing space for leisure, residential and cultural uses.
It also called for stronger connections to the River Towy, better use of Jackson’s Lane Gardens, and investment in the Cultural Quarter around King Street and Nott Square. The placemaking plan is expected to revisit these themes, with an emphasis on supporting independent businesses and ensuring the town’s heritage is central to its future identity.
Ammanford
Ammanford’s recovery plan focused on reconnecting the town centre with surrounding communities and tackling the leakage of shoppers to larger centres. It highlighted the potential of the weekly market, the need to improve pedestrian links across Wind Street and the railway line, and the opportunity to repurpose vacant units for leisure, education and independent businesses.
The new placemaking plan is expected to build on these themes, with an emphasis on creating a more walkable, connected and digitally‑enabled town centre. Case studies in the masterplan also pointed to the importance of strengthening Ammanford’s role as a service hub for the Amman Valley, while making the town centre more attractive for families and younger people.
Council view
Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, said:
“These placemaking plans will only succeed if they’re driven by the communities they affect. Whether you’ve been involved before through the recovery masterplans or are contributing for the first time, your insights are vital. Please come along to the events or share your thoughts online and help us shape vibrant, resilient town centres that reflect Carmarthenshire’s unique strengths.”
Drop‑in sessions will be held in each town during September and October, with an online consultation also running from 22 September.
