Our rural towns: Newcastle Emlyn

As part of the Ten Towns programme delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, rural market towns across the county have received support to develop exciting new projects to add vibrancy and economic benefit to their town. This month, our focus turns to Newcastle Emlyn exploring how the town has benefited from funding through Carmarthenshire County Council and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF].

Situated between Cardigan and Lampeter, Newcastle Emlyn is a traditional market town serving a wide rural area across Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. Home to major employers such as Dairy Partners and a diverse range of businesses in biotech, IT, construction, engineering, and agriculture, the town plays a key role in the local economy. It also hosts important services including a secondary school and leisure centre, making it a central hub for education, employment, and community life. To know more about Newcastle Emlyn as a destination, please visit Discover Carmarthenshire.

The Ten Towns programme is supporting the restoration of the Grade II listed Hengwrt building, formerly the town’s courthouse. Vacant since 2019, it has now been transformed into a vibrant community hub offering space for events, services and local activities.

As part of the Ten Towns programme, financial support was secured to host the prestigious British Cycling Junior National Time Trial and National Road Race Championships in Newcastle Emlyn in June 2024. This major sporting event brought national attention to the town, increasing footfall and offering a significant boost to local businesses. To ensure the sustainability of future events, additional funding was awarded to purchase dedicated event equipment, allowing the town to continue growing its calendar of community and tourism-focused events.

Additionally, under the Ten Towns Events Fund, the Newcastle Emlyn District Collective received support for its Music in the Park event held over the summer. The event featured a lively mix of local performers, family-friendly activities, and community stalls, drawing large crowds and showcasing the town’s creative spirit.

Newcastle Emlyn Town Council has successfully received funding via SPF to support the development of a 88 seat amphitheatre in the town centre. The development will draw additional visitors into the town, whilst also providing a facility for local people to use and enjoy a range of theatrical performances and live music. The work is scheduled to take place over a period of 3 months and will be completed February 2026.

The Revitalising Rural Town Centre Fund has supported improvements to several high street premises, helping to refresh shop frontages and boost town centre vibrancy. In addition, well-known Carmarthenshire street artist Steve Jenkins has created a stunning mural in the town. The artwork reflects Newcastle Emlyn’s unique history, featuring its traditional livestock market and the town’s medieval castle, and has been warmly welcomed by both locals and visitors.

Enhancements have also been made to Sycamore Street through the Tackling Towns Fund, with resurfacing works creating a more welcoming aesthetic that aligns with the town’s historical charm and enhances accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Through the Ten Towns Circular Economy Fund, local group Cadernid Emlyn has established a circular economy hub, encouraging sustainability and resource sharing within the community.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Rural Customer Service team, Hwb Bach y Wlad is visiting rural locations across the County offering help, support and advice. Experienced Hwb advisors can help Carmarthenshire residents with their Council enquiries and provide waste and recycling bags as well as Period Poverty items. Alongside this, advisors can signpost residents to relevant Council departments and organisations who can further assist with their enquiries.  

Hwb Bach y Wlad will be at Newcastle Emlyn Cawdor Hall on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 10am- 2pm. For more information, please visit the website. https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/hwb-bach-y-wlad/  

The next Tourism and Business roadshow will be heading to Newcastle Emlyn Cawdor Hall on Thursday 26 June giving businesses and community groups the opportunity to meet with County Council officers. Advice will be on offer covering all aspects of the tourism and business sector; from licensing, planning, funding options, grants that are currently available to businesses as well as marketing support.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, Cllr Carys Jones, commented:

Newcastle Emlyn is seeing real transformation thanks to the Ten Towns Programme and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. From supporting local events to restoring historic buildings, these investments are helping the town thrive. I’m especially excited to see how the new amphitheatre will bring energy, visitors, and fresh cultural experiences to the town.”

For more information about the 10 Towns project, please visit the website: https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/business/development-and-investment/ten-towns/newcastle-emlyn/