Carmarthenshire Council has released images of a proposed new indoor market for Llanelli, showcasing a modern design with 14 retail units on the ground floor and 80 stalls on the first floor, topped by a central glass atrium. The plan also includes bike racks, escalators, and all toilets located on the first floor. Deliveries would be routed via Mincing Lane at the rear, with a few nearby parking spaces.
Current Market Concerns
The existing market building, dating from the 1970s, features a multi-storey car park above and contains reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a material less durable than standard concrete that can fail when exposed to moisture. The council undertook significant structural safety work in 2013 and has performed ongoing maintenance to address these issues.
Preferred Option: New Build
After exploring options such as distributing stalls throughout the town and reusing the existing site after car park demolition, the council’s preferred option is a new-build market between 8-14 Vaughan Street, extending far to the rear. Six of the ground-floor retail units would face Vaughan Street, and the total market area would be 3,312 square metres. The current market has 3,664 square metres of floorspace with 17 retail units and 110 stalls.
According to the design and access statement: “Internally each floor has a distinct identity and character. The internal route is deliberately meandering, encouraging visitors to explore past retail and market stalls. The first floor is more informal and accommodates the majority of market stalls. It also features a large café, visible from the entrance, which naturally draws visitors through the building and up to the first floor.”
Trader Reactions Split
Opinions among stallholders are divided. Miriam Phillips, who runs a fruit and veg stall at the current market near St Elli Shopping Centre, said: “They look all right so far. It’s still early days.” She noted that traders had a meeting with council representatives about the plans the previous week.
Parvez Akhtar, of Parvez Fashions, said he was “totally against” the proposals and called on the council to upgrade the current market and focus on filling empty shops in Llanelli. He felt the new market would be “very small” and deter visitors. “We need space and to display our products,” he said.
Gabor Hetesi, of IT repair business Gabe’s IT Repair, was optimistic but wondered about timescales and new rental arrangements. “The plans are looking good, it looks promising,” he said.
Public Consultation and Future Plans
The council is seeking public views on the proposals by August 7 ahead of a full planning application. Cllr Hazel Evans, deputy council leader and cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, said: “These proposals represent an exciting opportunity to create a modern new home for Llanelli Market and further strengthen Llanelli town centre. Through the pre-application consultation process we want to hear the views of residents, businesses, and stakeholders to help shape the proposals before a planning application is submitted.”
She added: “It is important to emphasise that Llanelli Market will remain open and continue trading throughout this process with any future relocation carefully planned to support traders and customers. Our ambition is to create a vibrant destination that supports traders, attracts visitors, and builds on Llanelli Market’s proud history at the heart of the community.”
