Shrubs removal signals start on Eastgate

SHRUBS and trees have been removed from Island Place public car park.

Contractors have had to act early before birds started nesting in the undergrowth that could have held up a vital town centre development.

 

The car park could be closed in May as work gathers pace on the £25million Eastgate development.

The car park ground plays an integral part in the Henry Davidson Developments Ltd scheme that will breathe new life into that quarter of Llanelli.

In two years, the development will blend into the town centre a six-screen multiplex Reel cinema, 53-bedroom Travel Lodge Hotel, a range of pubs and restaurants, nearly 2,000sq metres of new office space, a convenience store and other retail outlets, a ShopMobility facility, increased parking for 239 vehicles, an improved and enhanced bus station and a new town square and other public realm enhancements.

Llanelli Chamber of Trade and Commerce have said the loss of the car park will be an inconvenience to town traders but have been assured by council officers there is adequate provision for car parking in the town until the new enhanced placed car park is delivered as part of the scheme.

Chamber president Andrew Stephenson said it was important the Murray Street Multi car park vacant space signage was working consistently to warn shoppers what vacancies were available there when the Island Place car park was closed.

County executive board member for transport services Cllr Phillip Hughes said many surveys had been performed at different times indicating that there was always space available at car parks about the town.

Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “This development is a huge boost for Llanelli town centre and the short term pain will be a long term gain. I am confident with the completing of this development coupled with the theatre, Llanelly House, Library refurbishment and environmental improvements are complete Llanelli will once again be a boom town.”