A major transformation is underway as the former Debenhams store in Carmarthen is being converted into a multifaceted health and leisure hub. Located within the St Catherine’s Walk retail scheme, this £25 million project aims to revitalise the space for community health services, leisure activities, and more by 2026.
Spanning 80,000 square feet, the new Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb is set to become a central hub for community health and recreational activities. The ambitious initiative follows the closure of Debenhams in 2021, with significant financial backing from both the UK and Welsh governments.
Project Overview and Objectives
The Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb project, spearheaded by Bouygues UK, seeks to repurpose approximately 80,000 square feet of commercial space in the heart of Carmarthen. This innovative hub will include facilities for health, education, and leisure, aiming to breathe new life into the old department store while aligning with environmental sustainability goals.
Significant investment has been secured, with £18 million from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, augmented by £7 million from the Welsh Government’s Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund. These financial inputs are pivotal in transforming the former retail space.
Community Services and Leisure Facilities
Upon completion, locals will gain access to a range of community health services, courtesy of the Hywel Dda University Health Board. This emphasis on local healthcare mirrors an increased need for accessible and inclusive health services.
In collaboration with Actif Sport and Leisure, the hub will feature a 24-hour gym, among other leisure amenities. Intriguingly, it will also host exciting activities such as indoor adventure golf, soft play, and go-karting, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all.
Collaborative Partnerships and Sustainability
The development involves a partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. These collaborations are crucial for integrating various services under one roof and ensuring long-term community benefits.
John Boughton, managing director at Bouygues UK, highlights the project’s alignment with sustainability goals. By refurbishing rather than rebuilding, the project will minimise environmental impact, a priority articulated by all stakeholders involved.
Such strategic partnerships not only enhance the project’s viability but also underscore a shared vision for sustainable community development.
Local Economic Impact
Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Hazel Evans, emphasises the hub’s potential to boost the local economy by enhancing footfall in the town centre. The integration of health and leisure services is expected to stimulate economic activities.
The financial contributions from both the Welsh and UK Governments were instrumental in launching this ambitious project, providing essential support for its successful implementation within the town centre.
Community Engagement and Expectations
Lee Davies from the Hywel Dda University Health Board notes the development as a pivotal change that will consolidate various health and well-being services in a strategic location. Residents of Carmarthen and nearby areas eagerly anticipate the new opportunities.
The hub promises to foster community engagement, bringing together diverse populations through its extensive range of services. This comprehensive approach is designed to cater to the evolving needs of the local population.
Providing easy access to both healthcare and leisure facilities, the hub symbolises a commitment to improving community wellbeing and engagement in a centralised setting.
Educational and Cultural Opportunities
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David sees the Health and Wellbeing Hwb as an avenue to explore educational, cultural, and leisure prospects. Professor Elwen Evans lauds the opportunity to work closely with local councils and health boards.
The university plans to actively participate in the hub’s offerings, enhancing educational opportunities and fostering cultural initiatives that will engage residents and promote community cohesion.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The project’s completion is set for 2026, with ongoing developments expected to unfold progressively. This timeline reflects a careful planning and phased implementation approach that accommodates community and stakeholder input.
The transformation of the former Debenhams into the Carmarthen Health and Wellbeing Hwb embodies a significant stride towards enhancing community health, leisure, and education facilities. Through strategic partnerships and robust investment, the project not only revitalises a central space but also aims to foster sustainable economic and social benefits for Carmarthen.
