Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli after years of anticipation
Residents and local sports clubs were the first through the doors of Canolfan Pentre Awel on Wednesday (15 October), the flagship first phase of the 83‑acre development at Delta Lakes.
The centrepiece leisure hub boasts a 25‑metre, eight‑lane swimming pool, learner pool, hydrotherapy pool, cutting‑edge gym, eight‑court sports hall, and dedicated spin and dance studios. Community spaces, meeting rooms, a café, and scenic coastal paths also form part of the new facility.
Drone view of Pentre Awel with Llanelli town in the background.(Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)Exterior of Canolfan Pentre Awel with electric vehicle charging points.(Image: Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)Pentre Awel’s new 25m swimming pool, designed by Powell Dobson Architects.(Credit: Powell Dobson Architects.)Swimming lanes marked out at Pentre Awel’s new pool.(Credit: Carmarthenshire Council.)A milestone for Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire Council leader Cllr Darren Price hailed the opening as “a clear example of what we can achieve through collaboration across services, sectors, and communities.”
Cabinet member Cllr Hazel Evans described the centre as “a cornerstone of our vision for a stronger, healthier Carmarthenshire,” adding that it was designed to be “centred around our community and a true example of what can be achieved when all sectors come together.”
The £40m Swansea Bay City Deal contribution, alongside funding from UK and Welsh Governments and the council, has underpinned the project.
Aerial view of the South Wales steel and tinplate works at Llanelli in 1929, showing the site in its industrial heyday.(Credit: © Crown Copyright, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Aerofilms Collection.)
From Tinopolis to Breezy Village
19th Century – Tinopolis
Llanelli earned the nickname ‘Tinopolis’ as it became a global centre of tinplate production. Families worked in hot, dangerous conditions producing tinplate for everything from food cans to toys. Felinfoel Brewery even filled the first tinplate beer cans in Britain.
1861 – Brickworks
William Thomas established a brickworks on the Delta Lakes site, using rich clay deposits. He also built workers’ housing known as Brick Row to support Llanelli’s early growth.
Late 19th to mid-20th Century – Tinplate Works
The South Wales Tinplate Works, founded by Edward Moorewood and John Rogers, dominated the area with mills, rail sidings and loading bays. Expanded in 1911, the works thrived until post-war decline led to demolition by 1951.
1960s–1990s – Delta Lakes
As heavy industry faded, the former shipping channel was landscaped into Delta Lakes. New paths and roads were laid, including the roundabout still seen today.
2025 – Pentre Awel
The site is reborn as Canolfan Pentre Awel, a £218m wellness village. Its name, meaning “Breezy Village”, reflects the coastal setting, while the architecture pays tribute to the area’s industrial heritage with light‑filled spaces and natural materials designed to “bring the outside in”.
End of an era for Jubilee Pool
The opening also signals the closure of Llanelli Leisure Centre and Jubilee Pool, which had served the town since 1963.
Llanelli Amateur Swimming Club marked the moment by becoming the last to train at the old pool and the first to dive into the new one. Club secretary Nicola Morris said the move offered “security” after years of uncertainty caused by repairs and closures.
Lifeguard Teyan Burt reflected on the handover as “the end of an era,” paying tribute to the centre’s 62 years of service.
The old Llanelli Leisure Centre, closed after 62 years of service.(Credit: Rob Welch.)Mixed community reaction
While many residents welcomed the state‑of‑the‑art facilities, others voiced concerns about the project’s cost and location.
Town centre traders Jane McDonald and Becky Foden told the BBC they feared the out‑of‑town site could draw footfall away from the market and high street. “It looks all right [but] it’s a lot of money,” said Becky. “What about our market? And our town centre?”
By contrast, Edward Morgan, 82, from Burry Port, said he was optimistic: “I think it’s certainly an improvement from the old swimming pool… I plan to use the onsite healthcare facilities for my regular blood tests.”
Direct overhead drone image of the Pentre Awel development.(Credit: Bouygues UK.)What’s next
The wider £218m Pentre Awel project will be delivered in phases over the coming years. Plans include 370 assisted living units, healthcare and research facilities, business incubation space, housing, a nursing home, and a hotel.
Spanning an area equivalent to 40 rugby pitches, the development is billed as the first of its kind in Wales, bringing together health, leisure, business, and community services on one coastal site.
An official opening ceremony with UK and Welsh Government representatives is expected later this year.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Llanelli Leisure Centre could become new home for Ysgol Dewi Sant
Plans are being considered to repurpose the old leisure centre following the move to Pentre Awel.
Plans submitted for new 120-bed hotel on Llanelli’s coast
A major new hotel development is proposed as part of the wider regeneration of the town’s waterfront.
Construction starts on Llanelli’s Pentre Awel wellness village
Work began on the landmark £200m project at Delta Lakes.
Planning approved for Llanelli’s multi-million pound Pentre Awel development
Councillors gave the green light for the ambitious scheme at Delta Lakes.
Council appoints contractor to deliver Llanelli’s Pentre Awel scheme
The main contractor was confirmed to lead the first phase of the project.
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