Dec 16 2009 by Robin Turner, Western Mail
Carmarthen Market
TRANSFORMATION of the centre of one of Wales’ most historic towns is on the verge of completion after a £74m overhaul.
Most buildings in the modern retail centre which will give historic Carmarthen a whole new look are getting ready to be fitted out by tenants.
Carmarthen lays claims to being the oldest town in Wales, being an established community when Britannia was a Roman province.
The geographer, astrologer and mathematician Ptolemy even mentioned it in the Antonine Library – the register of stations and distances along the Roman Empire’s vast road network.
The ambitious St Catherine’s Walk scheme is predicted to create around 450 jobs and has attracted leading High Street retailers including Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins and Next.
It is due to open officially next spring.
The building project is a joint venture between Carmarthenshire County Council and town and city centre developer Simons. Carmarthenshire council leader Meryl Gravell said yesterday: “We are at a very exciting stage of this development when we can see the scheme come to life, and are eagerly anticipating the opening.
“This development will bring huge benefits to Carmarthen through jobs, more shopping, restaurants and leisure facilities and car parking.”
The new Debenhams three-storey building has already been handed over to the retailer for fitting out.
Debenhams will occupy a 89,000sq ft building – comprising 60,000sq ft of retail space, including restaurant facilities, on two floors – at a prime position in the new development.
The department store, popular for its womenswear, menswear, homeware and health and beauty, is likely to create around 150 full and part-time jobs.
The Apollo six-screen cinema building is also close to completion and will be handed over for fitting out in the near future.
The 950-space multi-storey car park has been completed and now only needs interior lining and fitting, and phase two of the market is due for completion by February.
Other units have completion dates ranging from January to March with all buildings expected to have been handed over for fitting by March 15.
So far, Quicksilver, River Island, Wallis, Next, Dorothy Perkins, Carphone Warehouse, New Look, Top Shop, Frankie and Benny’s and Pizza Express have signed up for units.
Further signings are taking place at the moment with details expected to be publicised in the near future.
Carmarthenshire’s chief executive Mark James said: “This scheme is expected to bring thousands more people into the area, boosting the local economy with jobs, more shoppers and visitors. It has attracted top class names and will deliver a first rate shopping and leisure experience, complementing and enhancing all the good things Carmarthen already has to offer.”
Mark Newton, development director for Simons, said: “The scheme is now making significant moves forward, particularly now that the first retailers are moving into their units and getting ready to trade.
“We’re really excited to see the scheme progress over the final few months and open as St Catherine’s Walk in April.”
Carmarthen’s new Market Hall, which forms part of the overall St Catherine’s Walk scheme, will be officially opened by Princess Anne next month.
The £4m hall, which opened for business earlier this year, features more than 70 traders.
