Carmarthenshire County Council is delighted to announce that funding is now being made available to bring empty buildings in its three main town centres back to commercial use.
Funding via the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme aims to develop empty and derelict buildings in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli town centres for commercial use by refurbishing and repurposing them.
The funding also supports green infrastructure to improve biodiversity and enhance public spaces. The Transforming Towns programme seeks to create vibrant town centres, with flexible workspaces and increased access to services for residents and visitors to our primary town centres.
The grant will be open for applications from June 7 until August 30, 2023. All projects must be completed by January 31st, 2025.
Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In circumstances where the project cost is lower than £250,000, an intervention rate of up to 70% against total project costs may be available. Applications over £250,000 must be of a strategic nature and will be considered via Welsh Government’s capital panel and a grant intervention rate of up to 45% may be available.
The amount of funding will be set at the minimum level needed for the project to proceed.
There is a limited amount of funds available and this will be awarded on a first come first serve basis. Funding will only be available in the three primary towns; Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli.
Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Our town centres play an integral part within Carmarthenshire’s economy and it is very important that we, as the County Council, continue to support businesses that trade there.
“I, therefore, welcome the Transforming Towns funding that is provided by the Welsh Government and encourage owners and leaseholders of empty and derelict buildings in Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen town centres to get in touch with the Council, at the earliest possible opportunity, to discuss potential opportunities to bring these buildings back to trading on our high streets.”
For further details, or if you would like to discuss any potential projects please email transformingtowns@carmarthenshire.gov.ukClick here to visit the Transforming Towns page on Carmarthenshire County Council’s website.
Council hubs or Charity shops?
Perhaps this is the time to rethink town centres…housing shortage…many shops have 2 stories…empty shops bring no income…reduce rates ..pop ups or a short free time to see if it’s possible for new business to succeed?