Bouygues UK, a construction company, has teamed with Carmarthenshire County Council to transform an old Debenhams store into a health, wellbeing, education, and leisure Hwb (Welsh term meaning hub).
Lead contractor Bouygues UK is using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment, training, and skills opportunities to local people and underrepresented groups.
Work started in July and is progressing well, with internal drainage installed with new ground floor cast, completion of the roof-top plant room steel frame and secondary steelwork on all floors for roof voids, glazed screens, and risers is currently ongoing.
Internal works have also commenced with dry lining and mechanical and electrical works on level one and two.
Internal works have commenced with dry lining and mechanical and electrical works on level one and two
Managing Director for Wales and the South West, John Boughton, said: “The transformation of this former department store, in collaboration with Carmarthenshire County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, is progressing hugely well and it’s great to give our guests today the opportunity to see it for themselves.
“By refurbishing the former Debenhams instead of rebuilding it, we are not only revitalising nearly 8,000 sqm of commercial space in the heart of the town, but we are also staying true to Bouygues UK’s commitment to environmental sustainability. As we progress with the Hwb alongside our local supply chain, this space will become an essential and accessible hub for education, healthcare, and leisure within the community.”
The new Hwb is located at St Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen, Wales, and once open Hywel Dda University Health Board will provide health services to Carmarthenshire residents.
Alongside health and wellbeing services, the remodelled building will partner with Actif Sport and Leisure to facilitate a new 24-hour gym, which will include top-of-the-range equipment and flexible fitness suites for group and individual workouts.
The new Hwb is located at St Catherine’s Walk in Carmarthen, Wales
Carmarthenshire County Council will also be introducing a unique leisure-time offering for the area, with a high-spec family entertainment centre that will include a range of activities that people young and old can enjoy together, including indoor adventure golf, toy town soft play, E-Go Karting, and TAG Active.
The entertainment centre will also house a café and party rooms.
Furthermore, once open to the public, the Hwb is expected to boost footfall in the town centre, strengthening economic resilience for local traders and retailers.
Lead contractor Bouygues UK is using local subcontractors as part of its commitment to provide employment
The closure of the department store in May 2021 had a significant impact on town centre trade, but the introduction of this innovative, all-in-one Hwb—the first of its kind in Carmarthenshire—aims to reverse that trend.
By offering a wide range of public and leisure services under one roof, it is hoped the Hwb will attract more visitors from across the region to the town centre.
Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Darren Price, said: “It was a privilege to attend the Health and Wellbeing Hwb construction site today. I was able to see firsthand the hard work undertaken by all those working on the development.
“Bouygues UK and Carmarthenshire County Council are deeply dedicated to supporting the local supply chain at all stages of the project, alongside engaging with local people about what the Health and Wellbeing Hwb can offer them once open. Congratulations to all those involved this far, and good luck for the next stages.”
Top image: Guests who were invited to see the progress of the re-fit of the former Debenhams store at St Catherine’s Walk.