IN AN AUDACIOUS move amid heightened tensions and protests, Llanelli entrepreneur Tim Phillips is spearheading a campaign to repurchase and rejuvenate the embattled Stradey Park Hotel, which has been thrust into the limelight following a highly publicised dispute over its potential use as a hostel for asylum seekers.
The Stradey Park Hotel, a significant asset to Llanelli and the broader Carmarthenshire area, recently witnessed the dislocation of nearly 100 jobs and has been a focal point for public opposition since early June, with protestors steadfastly encamped at its entrance.
The initiative set in motion by Phillips envisions a bold reclamation of the establishment through the formation of a ‘society’ dedicated to orchestrating a community buy-back, seeking to revitalise the hotel as a pivotal resource in Llanelli’s tourism, leisure, and events sector.
Phillips, expressing his palpable concern over the present scenario, commented, “The current situation is distressing for all concerned. We have lost nearly 100 jobs and a hotel which was a massive asset for Furnace, Llanelli and Carmarthenshire. The current outlook for the hotel is very gloomy.”
The shadow looming over the future of the hotel is potentiated by the fact that even if Gryphon Leisure Ltd, the current owners, opt against leasing the property to Clearsprings Ready Homes – known for operating asylum seeker hostels throughout Wales – the future remains bleak. The emerging alternative, presented by Phillips, employs all legal avenues, enabling a collective, community-centric buy-back of the Stradey Park Hotel for the wider community benefit.
Phillips further stated, “A key part of this buy-back plan is that the hotel is re-established as a venue to be used exclusively for hospitality, events, tourism and leisure.”
A public appeal for volunteer trustees has been issued, with Phillips urging individuals to step forward and assist in the structuring of a new society – one that will autonomously manage the buy-back proposal and that will not be affiliated with any existing organisation or group, especially those currently campaigning against the asylum seeker plan for the hotel.
The need for a fresh perspective and innovative approach is paramount, insists Phillips, and as such, individuals who possess the ability to think and act creatively and energetically to ensure the plan’s fruition are actively sought.
While the initial gestures of support from the local community towards the Stradey Park Hotel have been heartening, Phillips underscores the necessity for comprehensive backing across SA14, SA15, SA16, and SA17 postcode areas, imploring, “We really need every local resident to rally around and back the proposal.”
Those eager to stand as volunteer trustees have been asked to express their interest via email to [email protected], with plans for an inaugural meeting of trustees to be conducted by month’s end, subsequent to which, further details of the buy-back plan will be disclosed to the public.
In a climate where the hospitality sector and community cohesion are both keenly under the microscope, this ambitious plan to reclaim and revitalise a local landmark sets a compelling stage for a fusion of community action and revitalised local industry.
