A NEW state of the art leisure development is being planned for Llanelli.
The proposal incorporates a high quality leisure centre, sports academy, 10-pin bowling alley, indoor and outdoor adventure activities. One of the sites being considered is the Old Castle works site.
The site could be the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ for Llanelli Waterside bringing together the areas of Sandy Water Park and North Dock, and acting as a link between the coast and the town centre.
A masterplan is being developed for the site by the Joint Venture – a partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and the Welsh Government – and a detailed feasibility study is to be carried out. The aim is to develop an attractive leisure and visitor destination for residents, and also attract more visitors and tourists to the area.
Partner organisations could be involved for shared developments to produce centres of excellence for the sports, recreation and leisure industries.
Plans for the leisure and sports academy could include:
- an eight lane pool with a separate splash/diving pool;
- health suite;
- sports performance analysis laboratory and IT suite;
- eight court double sports hall; climbing wall; dance studio;
- gymnastics centre;
- air-conditioned fitness studio and children’s fitness zone;
- all-weather pitches;
- sports recovery and therapy suite;
- martial arts facility;
- play centre; cafe;
- conference and lecture rooms.
The development of the Grade 2* Tinning Shed would be looked at with CADW to consider complimentary uses.
The current leisure centre is in very poor condition and has increasing maintenance costs. Part of the proposal would involve a study into the future use of this site, if it is not going to be used for the new facility.
Joint Venture funding has already been identified to begin looking at developing the Old Castle Works into a premier leisure destination catering for both local people and visitors. The development would be phased as and when further funding, commercial or partnership interest became available.
The results of the feasibility study are expected later this year.
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