Former pub site to ‘pull in jobs’

A FORMER Carmarthen riverside pub no longer pulling pints has been demolished so the site can be used to ‘pull in jobs’ instead.

Developers BMASSAS are redeveloping the site of the Jolly Tar on Carmarthen Quay to create a new four storey office building backed by the Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund.

The pub has already been demolished by contractors Bassett and MacGregor to make way for the building whose ground floor will include car parking and ancillary facilities, with first and second floor offices and a third storey call centre.

The total project costs are £1,571,926, of which £707,366 is grant assistance.

The Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund provides financial assistance for the construction of buildings for industrial / commercial use with the primary aim of creating capacity for employment in Carmarthenshire.

The incentive on offer is aimed to stimulate the supply of high quality business premises within Carmarthenshire by offering funding towards high quality industrial units or office accommodation.

Andrew Bassett of BMASSAS said: “We would like to thank the local authority for its support. Without the Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund grant we would not be able to do this.”

Council Leader Cllr Emlyn Dole added: “I’m pleased that the Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund has been able to support a project that will redevelop this site and bring new jobs with it.”

Local member Cllr Alun Lenny said: “No-one is more fiercely supportive of maintaining our historical buildings and heritage in Carmarthen than me.

“But, as in this instance, we sometimes have to let long-empty and dilapidated buildings go in order to allow progress and regeneration. Carmarthen has been evolving for 2,000 years, and will continue to do so.”

Local member Cllr Gareth John commented: “The demolition of the derelict eyesore that was the former Jolly Tar Public House and commencement of the construction of a new four storey commercial office building is further visible evidence of our commitment to invest for the future. The new building will accommodate over 40 jobs.

“Economic regeneration and local employment opportunities are key priority areas and thanks to our council’s Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund Carmarthen has secured yet another major capital project. I am confident that further developments will follow in due course.”

For further information on the Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund please contact Rian Furlong on 01267 242319, [email protected].