Reaction to Llanelli Market and car park plans: optimism, concern and calls for clarity

Plans to relocate Llanelli Market and demolish the multi-storey car park above it have sparked a wave of reaction across the town — with political leaders urging ambition and pragmatism, and residents voicing deep concern over the impact on footfall, heritage and the market’s identity.

Political leaders back regeneration — but urge caution

Dame Nia Griffith MP welcomed the council’s bid to draw down UK Government Levelling Up funding, calling the move to Vaughan Street a “bold” but necessary step.

“No change is easy, but we have to face the reality that the current structure is coming to the end of its life,” she said. “What’s really important is that stallholders can continue trading without disruption — and that the council consults carefully on what replaces the current site. Adequate, convenient parking close to the town centre is vital for increasing footfall.”

Cllr David Darkin, Chair of Llanelli Town Council, described the relocation as a “significant opportunity” and stressed the importance of public engagement.

“This must be a transparent, inclusive process that builds trust and ensures local voices are heard,” he said. “We must ensure every pound of public money delivers maximum value — not just in infrastructure, but in jobs, skills and local economic growth.”

Lee Waters MS echoed the need for careful planning, saying the market must remain central to Llanelli’s identity.

“Any relocation must strengthen — not weaken — its role at the heart of our community,” he said. “It’s not just about buildings — it’s about making the town centre a place people want to come to, shop in, and be proud of.”

Independent Councillor Sean Rees for the Glanymor Ward described the market as a “cornerstone of our town’s identity”.

“Our traders are its heart and soul offering not only their goods and services but always providing a warm welcome for all who visit” he said. “It’s crucial that the Council now works closely with our traders to ensure any move meets their needs. Supporting our local businesses and maintaining the Market’s character must be at the heart of the plans.”

Public reaction: divided, passionate and deeply personal

On social media, residents expressed a mix of frustration, nostalgia and scepticism — with many fearing the market’s character will be lost if moved to the former Woolworths building.

• “They must keep the market, definitely not like Carmarthen. It lost character when redeveloped.” – Seren Roberts
• “Go ahead, demolish yet another building and replace it with a glass and steel monstrosity. Death knell for centre of Llanelli.” – Anita Aamp
• “Why can’t some things stay as they are? I understand it needs modernising, but demolishing it to build new?” – Jane Jones
• “The market is the only positive thing in town! Who are these useless tools that think they know better?” – Jonathan Smith

Others defended the council’s decision, citing safety concerns and the need for long-term planning.

• “Keep it open and risk the lives of traders or close it and keep them safe? I know which I’d choose.” – Susan Davies
• “It’s falling down. Sorry for the market, but I moved out because the shop was in bad condition.” – Deane Bowler, former trader

Some questioned the viability of the Woolworths site, citing size constraints, parking access and transparency.

• “The stalls wouldn’t fit into the Woolworths store.” – Sian Howell
• “Why don’t they rebuild a new market on the same site after it’s been demolished?” – Kathryn Jenkins
• “Do you think the council are even aware that the unit they keep calling ‘former Woolworths’ is actually occupied?” – Robert Davies

What’s next?

Carmarthenshire Council is expected to submit a pre-planning application for the Vaughan Street site in the coming weeks — a move designed to keep the funding option alive, even if the proposal is later withdrawn.

Officials say the market will not close, and that monthly inspections continue to ensure the current building remains safe. But with the structure’s lifespan limited and funding deadlines looming, the town faces a pivotal decision — one that could reshape its retail core for decades to come.

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Llanelli faces twin loss as council moves to demolish market and multi-storey car park

Llanelli’s covered market and its only multi-storey car park — housed in the same building — look set to be permanently dismantled, as Carmarthenshire County Council pushes forward with plans to relocate the market and demolish the decades-old structure beneath which it operates.

The complex has long served as a landmark in the town centre, with traders occupying the ground floor and over 500 parking spaces stacked above. But now, officials say the building is approaching the end of its structural life, prompting an urgent search for a new home for the market.

At an initial engagement meeting held on Tuesday 22 July, traders were presented with four relocation options — the most likely being a move to the former Woolworths building at 8–12 Vaughan Street, using money from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund. That option hinges on securing £3,664m² of redeveloped commercial space by Spring 2028 — and requires a pre-planning application within weeks.

“Tight timescales” — but no closure

Council officials say the market will not close, and that engineers continue to monitor the building’s safety through monthly inspections and repairs. However, the future of Llanelli Market as a physical destination is now entwined with the timetable of external funding.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“We’re faced with tight timescales to secure the money and ensure this option remains on the table. This is the beginning of a journey with our traders — their input is integral to how we design a new home for Llanelli Market.”

Submitting a pre-planning application now keeps the Woolworths option alive — even if it’s later withdrawn — but any delay risks forfeiting the funding altogether.

Car park closure will displace hundreds of long-stay bays

The 56-year-old multi-storey, built in 1969, contains 527 spaces, mostly long-stay. Average daily usage hovers at 224 tickets — but actual occupancy rates are lower. Once demolished, the council says displaced vehicles can be absorbed across other town centre car parks, with plans to adjust short-stay allocations where needed.

Critics warn that losing the multi-storey removes a major draw for shoppers and visitors, at a time when Llanelli’s retail core has already been hollowed out by out-of-town developments like Parc Trostre and Parc Pemberton.

Two-storey market concerns

If relocated to Vaughan Street, the market could span two floors, raising questions about accessibility and shopper appeal. The council insists successful examples exist elsewhere — and says architects will work with traders to shape the design.

Still, some stallholders and residents say the priority should be keeping the market central, accessible and visible. Others fear that the combined impact of losing the market building and the car park above will push the town centre further into decline.

Carmarthenshire Council says no final decisions have been made — and that all options remain on the table. But with structural concerns mounting and deadlines looming, Llanelli’s market traders may soon be forced to pack up and move, whether they’re ready or not.

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