Carmarthenshire councillors have asked for a report on the cost of redeveloping a former Debenhams store in Carmarthen, a day after a call for a public inquiry into the project was rejected. The council project, known as Atriwm, is forecast to cost £41m.
Full council voted down a motion by Labour councillors Rob Evans and Nysia Evans at a meeting on November 11. The motion had asked for an inquiry to set out changes to the original scheme, construction inflation, and the estimated £4.2m spent on unforeseen structural repairs.
Petition sparks scrutiny debate
The following day, a scrutiny committee heard about a petition signed by 848 people which also asked for an inquiry. It was presented by Carmarthen resident Scott Bayes, prompting a debate about whether it should be discussed given the previous day's decision.
“The county council has made up its mind – I can't see where we are going,” said Cllr Hugh Shepardson. Cllr Alex Evans disagreed, saying the committee was there to scrutinise and that it should be discussed “for the sake of transparency and democracy”. Cllr Evans said he was concerned about the cost of a public inquiry and instead proposed a more detailed written report be prepared by officers.
Costs explained
Cllr Handel Davies backed the suggestion, although he added the reasons for the rise in costs from an original but smaller £19.6m concept had been made clear the day before. Referring to the proposed written report, he said: “I think having this explanation will end the matter.”
The reasons for the escalating costs were restated by Cllr Alun Lenny, cabinet member for resources, speaking in his capacity as a Carmarthen ward member. He said the project scope had expanded to create a mainly NHS facility with dental units, clinics, therapy, and training space. The clinical requirements meant a big upgrade in mechanical and electrical equipment. The council and University of Wales Trinity Saint David will also have bases there.
Cllr Lenny said construction inflation has been rising by 20-25% since 2021. External cladding issues in the St Catherine's Walk Shopping Centre building were also identified after an initial survey had taken place. “Many people who signed this petition may be alarmed by the cost and delay – I can understand that because they are yet to see the finished product,” said Cllr Lenny.
Project benefits and next steps
He said Atriwm, most of which is being funded by the UK and Welsh Governments, would have more than 500,000 visits per year, boosting town businesses in the process. Cllr Lenny said similar concerns about council projects had been expressed for health and life sciences complex Pentre Awel, Llanelli, and the Towy Valley cycle path between Carmarthen and Llandeilo. “By now I don't think anybody would begrudge a single penny spent on those two fantastic projects,” he said.
Earlier in the meeting Mr Bayes said he wanted Atriwm to succeed but said residents should be able to see the evidence that it will bring more people into town, benefit local businesses, and justify the public investment. He added: “The inquiry should establish the full cost to taxpayers – not only construction but any ongoing operating, maintenance or other public costs.”
The homes and regeneration scrutiny committee will receive the written report in due course.
