A new bowling alley could be on its way to Carmarthen, creating almost 20 jobs.
Fresh plans will see the leisure facility built at the former St Ivel cheese-packing plant in Johnstown.
Carmarthen Town
The St Ivel site was bought by Carmarthenshire Council with the hope of turning it into a bowling centre and the plans now look set to go ahead.
Local firm Xcel is spearheading the scheme and working in partnership with Carmarthenshire Council and other agencies.
An Xcel spokesman said: "This is an innovative, exciting and sustainable community flagship project. The property will be refurbished as a multi-purpose centre which will strengthen the economic base of the county."
The development would involve refurbishing the factory as a multi-purpose centre to include a 12-lane bowling arena, coffee shop and furniture recycling facility.
"It will also provide the largest conference venue in Carmarthenshire with seating for 500, high-quality audio visual systems and multiple screens," added the spokesman.
Applications for grant funding from the Assembly and the Big Lottery Fund have been submitted and, if successful, work could start on site next summer.
The Carmarthen Chamber of Trade welcomed the plans. Vice Chairman Gareth Scourfield said: "This is good for the town, creating new jobs and giving youngsters a centre to use. It has been a long time coming and hopefully it will now go ahead."
Carmarthenshire's regeneration and leisure executive board member, councillor Clive Scourfield said: "This is an excellent development which will provide community and leisure facilities, it will meet the strong public demand for a state-of-the-art bowling arena, create jobs and attract visitors to the area. We are pleased to be working in a partnership which will deliver this for the people of Carmarthen and further afield."
South Wales Evening Post - 8 December 2009
