Canolfan Pentre Awel celebrates first anniversary after welcoming thousands through its doors

Over the past 12 months, the landmark facility has become a thriving destination for health, wellbeing, business, learning and community activity, delivering on its vision to improve lives, create opportunities and support economic growth across Carmarthenshire.

Lead by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Swansea University, Cardiff University and Coleg Sir Gar, Canolfan Pentre Awel is the first phase of the wider Pentre Awel development and one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Wales.

During its first year, Canolfan Pentre Awel has seen remarkable levels of engagement and participation. Group exercise classes, delivered by the County Council’s Actif Sport and Leisure team, attracted 69,889 attendances, while the popular public hydrotherapy sessions welcomed 1,388 users. Meeting and conference facilities have also proven popular, hosting 1,314 attendees through a range of business, community and partnership events inside one of Canolfan’s activity rooms.

Health and wellbeing services have continued to expand throughout the year. Since June 2026, the phlebotomy service at Canolfan Pentre Awel has seen over 29,000 patients, demonstrating the growing demand for accessible community healthcare services.

The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) a Welsh Government-funded programme that helps people with health conditions become more physically active through structured exercise and specialist support, has also seen significant impact at Canolfan. The scheme has received 535 referrals at Canolfan Pentre Awel alone during its first year. The team has delivered 291 group exercise sessions and 156 supervised gym sessions, helping residents improve their physical and mental wellbeing through structured support and activity programmes.

The facility has also hosted a number of major events and initiatives throughout the year, including its popular Wellness Wednesday’s programme and visits from national and regional stakeholders, and serving as an important community venue during the election period. Canolfan’s first Summer Food and Drink Festival in July saw a footfall of over 2,000 people across two days, with customers experiencing all Canolfan has to offer inside and out.

The first year has also seen Canolfan Pentre Awel receive national recognition, securing several industry and sector awards that celebrate excellence in regeneration, wellbeing, health and partnership working.

Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Linda Evans, said:

"One year on from opening our doors, Canolfan Pentre Awel has already made a tremendous impact on our communities. The success of the past 12 months reflects the strength of partnership working and the ambition behind this transformational project. We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as Pentre Awel continues to grow."

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, added:

"Canolfan Pentre Awel has quickly established itself as an important centre for community healthcare delivery and wellbeing in Llanelli and the surrounding areas. Through our partnership approach, we have been able to bring services closer to the people who need them, providing care in a modern, accessible and welcoming environment.

The impact of the centre is perhaps best reflected in the experiences of those who use it.

One NERS participant said:

"I was very nervous and apprehensive before beginning my NERS journey, although I really wanted to lose weight and feel healthier. After my initial assessment I felt much more hopeful. The classes are good fun, everyone is welcoming and I have definitely felt the health benefits. I have more energy and now look forward to attending every week."

Another user added:

"From my very first session, the support I received was fabulous. The team have been helpful, reassuring and professional throughout. I am very grateful to everyone providing the service."

As it enters its second year, partners remain committed to building on this success, creating even more opportunities for residents, businesses and communities to thrive at Canolfan Pentre Awel.