Carmarthenshire Council has submitted an application to determine if prior approval is needed to demolish the former Poundstretcher store in Ammanford, as part of wider plans to boost the town centre.
Long-standing vacancy
The premises, which closed in 2024 three years after opening, includes office space and dates from around 2000, originally serving as a Co-op supermarket. The council's application said no viable redevelopment proposals had come forward and that “its continued vacancy presents a barrier to investment” in the town centre.
The application said an attractive and flexible development site would take its place, allowing the council and others to bring forward regeneration proposals in the future. The proposed demolition start date is October 1, with completion expected a week before Christmas.
Place-making plans
The council consulted on what it called place-making plans for Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen last year. These plans focus on creating thriving, welcoming places that support businesses and celebrate local heritage.
They followed masterplans for the three towns developed during the Covid pandemic, when high streets were under severe pressure. The 2021 Ammanford masterplan focused on four areas, including Margaret Street and College Street, where the Poundstretcher building is located, and Quay Street and Market Square.
Proposals and feedback
Proposals included expanding the weekly market, making the town centre more attractive for families and younger people, more walkable, and improving main areas of open space. According to the council, a lot of work has been done in the wake of the 2021 masterplan.
Speaking ahead of last year's place-making plan consultation, Cllr Hazel Evans, cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture and tourism, urged people to give their feedback. “These place-making plans will only succeed if they’re driven by the communities they affect,” she said.
The council will consider the prior approval check regarding the Poundstretcher demolition.
