The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb is moving onto the next stage of its development.

In partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids, Carmarthenshire County Council is advancing the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb.

Bouygues UK, the lead contractor, is set to redevelop the space, fuelled by £7m from the Welsh Government Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund and an £18m funding from the UK Government.

The refurbished property will extend its services beyond health and well-being, as it plans to house a new 24-hour gym facilitated by Actif Sport and Leisure.

The gym will feature the latest equipment and flexible fitness suites for group and individual workouts.

In an unprecedented move for the area, the first floor will be transformed into a state-of-the-art family entertainment centre.

The indoor centre aims to be a year-round hotspot for families, boasting indoor adventure golf, a toy town soft play area, E-Go Karting, and TAG Active.

There will also be a café and party rooms, offering parents a chance to unwind while the children play.

Work at the Health and Wellbeing Hwb starts this week, with the grand opening to the public slated for early 2026.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism said: "The Health and Wellbeing Hwb development will significantly boost the local economy and increase footfall within Carmarthen town centre.

"The Family Entertainment Centre is an all-weather, indoor activity for families to engage in no matter their age.

"The facilities within the Entertainment Centre are tailored to promoting healthy and active lives for all."

First Minister, Vaughan Gething said: "It’s great to be supporting this initiative to put the former Debenhams store back into good use by the community.

"The Hwb will enable people in Carmarthenshire to access a wide range of services, including health suites, employment support and access to further education."

Lee Davies, executive director of strategy and planning at Hywel Dda University Health Board commented: "This is an exciting development.

"This proposal will bring together a wide range of health and well-being services in a central location.

"Alongside other services, it will benefit our local community in Carmarthen and its surrounding area, now and in the future."

Bouygues UK’s managing director, John Boughton expressed excitement over the project, stating: "It’s fantastic to be working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint Davids on the Hwb, bringing nearly 8,000 square metres of commercial space in the town centre back to life."

For more information about the development of the Health and Wellbeing Hwb, visit the Carmarthenshire County Council website.