LLANELLI residents can have their first glimpse of plans to breathe new life into the dilapidated YMCA building on Stepney Street.
Carmarthenshire County Council has commissioned planning consultants Asbri Planning Ltd to carry out a consultation ahead of an official planning application for the regeneration of the building that is a familiar sight in Llanelli town centre.
The council plans to save the front façade of the building, along with its perimeter wall, main internal structural walls and existing staircase as part of a £4.5million renovation to bring the building back into use.
A series of retail units will be made available on the ground floor, with a mixture of office and residential units on upper floors.
People are invited to share their views as part of a pre-application consultation so that feedback can be gathered and included when a formal planning application is lodged later this year.
An artist’s impression and a summary of the plans can be found at www.asbriplanning.co.uk and views are invited before August 13.
Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, and lead member for regeneration, Cllr Emlyn Dole, said: “The former YMCA building is a familiar sight for anyone from Llanelli, but sadly the building has seen better days,” he said. “We’re excited, now that the building is in our ownership, to breathe new life back into it and restore it to its glory days. Many hundreds of people will have fond memories of the building, whether they were members of the YMCA or as part of gymnastics and other clubs in more recent times.
“We were keen to keep as much of the building’s integrity as possible, and we’re pleased that we’re able to save the red brick façade and some of the internal features such as the staircase. Pending planning approval, it will be a sensitive but exciting restoration.
“This building is full of potential, and will add to the offer of mixed retail, office and residential space in Llanelli town centre as part of our wider regeneration plans for the area.”
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