Creative pop-ups breathe new life into Llanelli’s YMCA

As leading experts in activating meanwhile spaces, Urban Foundry has been working with Carmarthenshire County Council to transform Llanelli’s YMCA building via a series of creative pop-ups.

The new units at YMCA have created a platform for local creatives and entrepreneurs to test-trade, connect with new audiences, and build their business confidence in a supportive setting.

The project has activated three units – Units 1, 3, and 4 – with creative traders and artists, giving them a space to showcase their work, connect with the community, and grow their businesses.

Cariad Love

Sophie Powell of Cariad Love is a talented young jewellery maker who has spent the last 18 months selling her handmade pieces at local markets. This is her first move into a commercial setting, and it is already proving to be a game changer. Sophie has now taken on a longer-term let in the unit, marking a big step in her business journey. Sophie Powell, Jewellery Maker, Cariad Love:

It’s been amazing to have a proper shop space to display my jewellery. I even had someone commission a ring to use as a wedding ring – it’s such a confidence boost.

Jo Partridge Glass

Jo Partridge, a familiar face at Urban Foundry’s Swansea Bay Street Markets, is also selling her work and is looking to run glass workshops every Saturday in Unit 3. Participants can create their own glass pieces, which Jo then fires in her kiln for collection the following week. Jo Partridge, Glass Artist, Jo Partridge Glass

It’s a brilliant way to get people engaged with the space. I love seeing people leave with something they’ve created themselves too. 

After a successful test run, Jo has extended her stay until the end of May.

Hannah Davies

Architectural, interior designer and fine artist, Hannah Davies, (also an associate at Urban Foundry!), is exhibiting her oil on canvas pieces in Unit 4. The exhibition includes some of her latest works. Hannah is also the mother of Makenzy Beard, a young artist whose work has gained global attention. Hannah Davies, Associate, Urban Foundry

It’s been wonderful to share my art in such a lovely setting. I’ve had some lovely feedback, and it’s really nice to meet people and chat about my work, and art in general.

Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council visit:

Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, toured the pop-up project with key representatives from Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council.

Welsh Government representatives included:

Nick Williams, Commercial Lawyer

Jonathan Baxter, Senior Research Officer

Carmarthenshire County Council representatives included:

Cllr Darren Price, Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council

Wendy Walters, Chief Executive

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

Stuart Walters, Head of Economic Development

Tessa Bufton, Town Centre Regeneration Manager

Cllr Hazel Evans commented:

Projects such as this bring fresh energy to town centres, giving local businesses a real chance to shine. Pop-up shops are a fantastic way to revitalise our high streets, the introduction of these pop-up shops in Llanelli serves not only as a means of economic stimulation but also as a strategic tool to enhance footfall, support entrepreneurship, and reinvigorate the high street. The units at the former YMCA forms part of Carmarthenshire County Council’s wider town centre developments which includes improving the use of vacant and underutilised properties in the town centre, and has been part funded by Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme

Tara Tarapetian, Director, Urban Foundry

It’s been brilliant to see the impact of these pop-ups, not just for the traders, but for the whole community. We’re always aware of the economic impact of pop-ups, but this is also about cultural impact – supporting small businesses in the creative sector. That’s really important to us. There’s a real buzz around the YMCA building now.

The success of pop-ups

This brings Urban Foundry’s total to 81 pop-ups across the entire project and different local authorities – a testament to how transformative these initiatives can be for local businesses and the community.

The impact of these pop-ups is big – for the traders, it’s an opportunity to trial new ideas, grow their customer base, and experience running a shopfront without the long-term commitment (and red tape and costs). For the town centre, it’s about bringing footfall back, revitalising empty spaces, showing alternative uses for spaces and building confidence in our high streets.