Work has started to create a new wellbeing centre in a former Carmarthenshire department store.
Bouygues UK, as lead contractor, is transforming the former Debenhams on St Catherine's Walk, Carmarthen into a health, wellbeing, educational, and leisure centre called Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb.
The centre will offer various facilities, including community health services from Hywel Dda University Health Board, and a 24-hour gym in collaboration with Actif Sport and Leisure.
There will also be a family entertainment centre featuring indoor adventure golf, go-karting, soft play and a café.
The project is a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Bouygues UK's managing director for Wales, John Boughton, said: "It’s fantastic to be working alongside Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on the Hwb, bringing nearly 8,000 square metres of commercial space in the town centre back to life.
"By refurbishing rather than rebuilding the old department store, we will align Bouygues UK’s commitment to climate and environmental sustainability."
The council's cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Councillor Hazel Evans, 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."
Lee Davies, executive director of strategy and planning at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: "This is an exciting development.
"This proposal will bring together a wide range of health and well-being services in a central location."
Professor Elwen Evans, KC, vice-chancellor of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, said: "The development of the Health and Wellbeing Hwb offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with partners to explore ways of revitalising the town centre through a mix of leisure, cultural and education opportunities."
When Debenhams closed in May 2021, it had a significant impact on trade in the area.
The hwb will benefit from the boost of centre services under one roof, according to the leaders and stakeholders of the project.
It aims to attract people from the wider region to use these facilities.
Bouygues UK is committed to working with sub-contractors and plans and to upskill their workforce on embedding sustainability into their operations.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here