Atriwm transformation moves forward behind the scaffolding
1 day ago
Work is progressing on the landmark Atriwm redevelopment in Carmarthen town centre, as the former Debenhams building is transformed into a new multi-purpose destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
Led by Carmarthenshire County Council, Atriwm is delivered in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board and University of Wales Trinity Saint David. The project will bring together public services, healthcare, education, leisure and activities suitable for all ages under one roof, helping to support footfall, town centre regeneration and the wider economy. Atriwm will bring together a range of community medical facilities into the town centre. This unique offer, alongside the range of other services in Atriwm, is the first of its kind in Wales.
Atriwm is a major investment in the future of Carmarthen town and its large rural hinterland, with capital funding provided by, the UK Government Levelling Up Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Welsh Government Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund, Welsh Government Transforming Towns Programme and Carmarthenshire County Council.
Although much of the external work continues behind the scaffolding, significant progress has been made inside the building. Contractors have already carried out major structural alterations, internal reconfiguration and improvement works to prepare the building for its future reopening.
When it opens, Atriwm is set to include:
- Community health care services delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Community Dental Service
- Public Health Wales - Diabetic Eye Screening Wales
- Mental Health
- Phlebotomy
- Community Nursing
- People and Development
- Children’s & Young Persons Therapies & Occupational Therapy
- Child Health Psychology
- Children’s Community Nursing
- Teaching and education facilities supporting the University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- Carmarthenshire County Council’s Customer Service Hwb, currently located at Unit 22, St Catherine’s Walk
- The Council’s Carmarthen Cash Desk, currently located at Spilman Street
- Actif Sport and Leisure’s first 24-hour Actif fitness facility, studios and wellbeing spaces
- Leisure attractions suitable for all ages, including indoor adventure golf, children's play facilities, TAG Active and electric go-karting
The scaffolding around the building is allowing external refurbishment to take place at the same time as the internal construction programme. These crucial improvements include repairs to the building envelope, façade restoration and essential modernisation works that will bring the building up to modern standards and help secure its future for decades to come.
Before its acquisition, the Council commissioned an independent building survey which did not identify any significant structural issues beyond the condition of the roof; however, as is common with the refurbishment of large existing buildings, some matters only came to light once works commenced and elements of the building were opened up as part of the construction work, and the need for more detailed investigation became apparent.
The Council has a responsibility to consider both the costs and benefits of any major regeneration project, and Atriwm represents a significant investment in the future of Carmarthen town centre, bringing healthcare, leisure and community facilities together within a prominent vacant building. The Council remains focused on ensuring the project delivers long-term value while addressing the challenges that have emerged during the construction process. Atriwm remains an important opportunity to strengthen local accessible services, particularly health, support town centre regeneration and deliver lasting benefits for the wider community.
Atriwm represents a major investment in Carmarthen’s future, with capital funding provided by Carmarthenshire County Council, UK Government Local Regeneration Fund, Welsh Government Integrated Rebalancing of Care Fund and Welsh Government Transforming Towns Programme.
The scheme has evolved since the original Levelling Up Fund bid was submitted in 2021, when it was based on an early concept design with a budget of £19m. The purchase of the former Debenhams building was funded entirely through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with no Council funding used to acquire the property. As detailed design and service planning progressed, the project was expanded to deliver more for Carmarthen, including an activity centre, additional healthcare provision, increased floorspace and wider support for the town centre. A further £12m has been secured from Welsh Government, UK Government and project partners to help fund these additional elements.
The forecast final cost is now £41m. This reflects the wider scope of the project, enhanced range of services and clinical infrastructure linked to the wider scope, post-pandemic construction inflation, and unforeseen structural issues identified during refurbishment. Remedial works linked to those issues are currently forecast at £4.2m. The updated budget is funded through UK Government, Welsh Government, Council and partner contributions, with completion anticipated in early 2027.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented:
Atriwm is a major investment in Carmarthen town centre, making use of a large building in the middle of town that would otherwise be left vacant and a potential eyesore. By bringing the former Debenhams building back into use, we are creating a welcoming destination that will support local businesses, increase footfall and give people better access to a wide range public services, leisure opportunities, education and healthcare in the heart of the town. The Council’s financial contribution to the project is being met from its Capital Budget, and therefore has no impact on Council Tax.
For more information and to keep up to date with the project, please visit our website.
