PLANS for the future of an iconic Carmarthen building have taken a new twist after it was announced that the council executive board was set to consider a £1m private investment which would bring a high-end restaurant into the centre of town.
The executive board is to consider exciting proposals for a new restaurant and café bar at Carmarthen’s Guildhall that will see the historic courtroom retained and the surrounding areas of the building sensitively developed.
The company – which cannot yet be revealed – has approached the council with plans to invest in the building, introducing a restaurant and café bar whilst keeping the famous courtroom open for visitors.
The proposal, which would see 25 new jobs created in the centre of the town, will be considered by the council’s executive board members on December 18.
The announcement was made after rumours began to circulate that coffee giant Starbucks was due to step in. CCC clarified that this was not the company involved, and The Herald understands it is a rather more prestigious firm than this.
Executive board member for culture, sport and tourism, Cllr Peter Hughes Griffiths, said: “We have been approached by a private company with vibrant and exciting plans for the Guildhall. Their proposals would be an excellent and sympathetic re-use of this historic building. The restaurant and café bar would create an anchor in the centre of Carmarthen town centre, connecting the old and new areas of the town and generating increased footfall that will benefit independent traders in the old part of town.
“The proposal would see a quality sympathetic development that respects the rich history of the Guildhall and keeping the famous courtroom for people to visit and use, whilst giving it a new and sustainable lease of life. We hope it would add to the redevelopment of this part of the town centre and create a new momentum for further investment.”
He added: “This company has a track record of delivering quality developments elsewhere and we are excited to be in talks with them. Their proposal will come formally to the executive board in December where we will decide whether to proceed.”
Executive board member for resources, Cllr David Jenkins, added: “We bought the Guildhall with the intention of it being retained and re-used to support the wider regeneration objectives of Carmarthen town centre. This latest proposal is a vindication of our original decision, with private sector occupation of the building relieving the council of its financial liability whilst generating an income and adding to the vibrancy of the town centre. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the proposal in more detail.”
The decision to buy the Guildhall after HM Courts announced the decision to close the court was welcomed by a majority of councillors, though there were several dissenting voices especially from the Llanelli and Amman Valley areas.
These intensified after an exempt report was accidentally published which showed that the building needed improvements to provide access, along with roof repairs and maintenance estimated at £40-50,000 annually.
Local councillors, notably Alun Lenny, drew attention to the rich history behind the building, and suggested that a heritage use be found. While this new proposal would seem to provide a good compromise between maintaining the historic features of the old court and removing the financial burden, Cllrs Lenny and Gareth John are seeking an assurance that the stunning Crown Courtroom will be open to the public as part of the development.
Cllrs Gareth John and Alun Lenny had previously expressed great concern about the future of the 18th century building, which has annual running costs of around £125,000.
“We were delighted that the county council stepped in to buy this iconic building at a time when financial pressures on the authority are huge due to continuing austerity,” they said. “The maintenance costs are substantial, so we warmly welcome the news that a reputable commercial partner has been found to give it a viable future. However, it’s crucial that access for the public to view the stunning Crown Courtroom should be part of any deal, and we’re asking the council’s Executive Board to ensure that happens.”
The courtroom, with its impressive oak panelling and red-leather seating, the huge portraits of Generals Picton and Nott, is central to Carmarthen’s history, according to Cllr Alun Lenny, who is also Town Mayor. “Most people haven’t had the chance to see the courtroom, to stand in the dock where the Rebecca Riots’ ringleaders were sentenced to transportation in 1843, where Ronnie Harries, one of the last people to be hanged in Wales, was sentenced to death for murder in 1954. I hope that the proposed development will allow the public, with guided tours, to have this experience and learn more about our town’s fantastic history.”
“The proposed investment is a sign of continuing commercial confidence in Carmarthen as one of the most prosperous towns in Wales,” said Cllr Gareth John.
“It’s great news that a company is willing to invest £1m in providing a high-class restaurant in a central location, while at the same time safeguarding the integrity of this historic building. Guildhall Square stands in a central location between the old and new town shopping centres. Together with the impending Jackson’s Lane development, this will direct more footfall towards the small independent shops in the older part of town.”
Dyfed-Powys police have shown an interest in leasing part of the Guildhall as a town police station. “Now that Friar’s Park police station has closed, it’s essential we have a visible police presence in Carmarthen town centre,” said Cllrs John and Lenny. “When the news about the Guildhall broke, we immediately contacted Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn and are grateful to him for agreeing to meet us early in the New Year to discuss this and other policing issues in the town centre – including CCTV.”
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