Work has officially begun to turn a former Carmarthenshire Debenhams into a health and wellbeing hub.

Carmarthenshire County Council is collaborating with Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David on the initiative.

Construction managed by lead contractor, Bouygues UK, began on July 15.

The former retail store is undergoing a substantial transformation into a modern health and wellbeing Hwb, complete with educational facilities, leisure opportunities, and a comprehensive family entertainment centre.

Funding of the project comes from a partnership between the Welsh Government and UK Government.

The former contributed £7million via the Health and Social Care Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund Programme—an integral part of the wider West Wales Regional Partnership Board Capital Programme.

An additional £18m was granted by the UK Government.

Graphics adorning the working site windows have been providing passersby with comprehensive information about the range of services to be expected once the Hwb is operational.

These services range from community health services and customer services to accessible education and recreational activities to a 24-hour gym, flexible fitness suites, and a family entertainment centre.

Window graphics also offer sneak peeks into the prospective look of the Hwb through Computer Generated Images (CGIs), however, they are for illustrative purposes only.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, culture, leisure and tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans said: "The former Debenhams site is expected to increase footfall in the town centre and drive further economic growth for Carmarthenshire.

"It is our hope that the window graphics will help the public visualise what the Health and Wellbeing Hwb will look like once open".

Additionally, Lee Davies, executive director of strategy and planning at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: "We are working alongside our partners on this exciting development that will see a wide range of health, well-being and other services co-located in a central hub.

"The facilities will benefit our local community now and, in the future, and we look forward to seeing the project progress over the coming months."

Adding his thoughts, John Boughton, Bouygues UK managing director of Wales, 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."

The Health and Wellbeing Hwb is set to open its doors to the public in 2026.