Llanelli North Dock building subject of controversial health board plans taken off the market
The building had previously attracted interest from Hywel Dda University Health Board, whose proposed change of use sparked significant controversy within the local business community and among residents of Glanymor Ward. The proposal to relocate the Dyfed Drug & Alcohol Service (DDAS) was ultimately rejected by Carmarthenshire County Council’s planning committee but the ‘Area Planning Board’ still decided to submit an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
It has been confirmed however that Threshold DAS, an organisation aimed at supporting people affected by domestic abuse, have now had their offer accepted and plan to move to the Unit shortly.
Formerly known as Llanelli Women’s Aid, Threshold has been operating in Llanelli for over 40 years and is currently based on John Street in the town.
Victoria Pedicini, Chief Executive Officer of Threshold DAS said: “For a couple of years, we have been searching for suitable premises to accommodate our growing staff team at Threshold DAS. Securing this building in North Dock is a fantastic opportunity for us, and I’m really pleased to have finally found a space that meets our needs. It’s the perfect place for us to develop and expand our team, as well as increase our capacity to support the community. I’m absolutely thrilled to be moving and delighted that our offer has been accepted. We plan to move to North Dock as soon as the transaction is completed and hope to be settled in before the end of the summer.
“The local residents have been incredibly supportive and are welcoming Threshold’s move to the area. It’s really important to us to know that the community values our presence and supports the work we do. Having that backing gives us confidence as we continue to grow and strengthen our services.
“Our new building will primarily be used as office space for our staff, allowing us to operate more efficiently and continue our vital work in the community. At the same time, I’m committed to maintaining our presence at John Street, which will stay open as a community drop-in centre and food bank. It’s really important to us that we keep that connection and continue to offer accessible support right in the heart of the community.
“This new building marks an important new chapter for Threshold. It allows us to grow sustainably while continuing to be present where people need us most. I’m really looking forward to this next step and am truly grateful for the ongoing support from the community.
Juliet Phillips-James, Chair of Threshold DAS said: “We’re delighted to have secured new premises here in North Dock, Llanelli which will provide a much-improved working environment for our dedicated staff. As Chair of Threshold, I have witnessed how the charity has grown greatly and prospered over the last decade. Whilst this is an achievement and a credit to those who work in and manage Threshold it has caused logistical issues in that we have outgrown our existing premises. The new premises provide a functional space to allow us to collaborate more effectively and grow our services as we continue to support the Llanelli community. We’re incredibly excited about this move.
Sean Rees and Louvain Roberts, County Councillors for Glanymor Ward added: “We would like to wish Victoria and her team at Threshold all the very best with their move to North Dock. This is very positive news for our community which we know will be warmly welcomed by all.
“Following this latest development, we are now urging the ‘Area Planning Board’ to cancel the planning hearing appeal currently scheduled for Wednesday 30th April this to avoid any unnecessary cost to taxpayers or potential judicial review should it be needed.”
Cllrs Rees and Roberts have previously called for Hywel Dda health board to to scrap plans to move its drug and alcohol unit to the former WRW building in North Dock and to consider the the empty Ty’r Nant council-owned building in Trostre instead.
#CllrLouvainRoberts #CllrSeanRees #domesticAbuse #HywelDdaNHS #Llanelli #NorthDock #ThresholdDAS