Brewer joins bidders for Llandeilo Market Hall

The award-winning Llandeilo-based brewer Evan-Evans is set to join the bidding for the sale of historic Llandeilo Market Hall.

The market hall, which is now in a poor state of repair, was earmarked for disposal by Carmarthenshire County Council at the beginning of the summer.
The brewery team has been working on a major project for the market hall site for some time and has instructed architects to prepare a commercial development plan for the site.

The company, recently voted top organic brewer in the world, has an ambitious three-year plan for developing the site for mixed use.
Evan-Evans chief executive Simon Buckley said: "There has been a lot of talk by community groups about this site, but not one of them seems to have an idea as to the funding required for this project.

"Some suggestions would rely heavily on public funding -something which is not available for this kind of project.
"Our plan is to create a commercial site that creates employment for the young of our community. Along with tourist-driven attractions, the venture will create long-term prosperity for the town of Llandeilo.
"This project has to make money to survive and it is no good people thinking that there will be a public pot of money to support this project into the future. There has to be ownership and the project has to be viable.
"Our plan at this stage is to create a new office space for incubator companies, with serviced office accommodation, and mentoring for new starter companies.

"There will be meeting and small conference facilities. We want to help the young get started and if they need support to build their business this will be the business hub for them. 

"They will be able to receive proper hands-on business support from people who know what they are doing.
"We will develop a new brewery visitor centre that will celebrate the rich history of Welsh brewing, a brewery shop, and new pub and farm shop that will focus on promoting locally-sourced produce and giving farmers the opportunity to share in a cooperative style retail environment.
"We want to be able to provide a community space for weekly markets and for musical and theatrical entertainment.
"As the retail plan develops, so we will unveil the plans for the retail operations which will include the launch of our new internet beer business, the development of an artisan bakery, and butchery business. We will create a significant number of apprenticeship opportunities.
"We are more than happy to talk to other groups, but it is time that this mighty building was put to good use again.

"In this current economic environment, it will only be done with private finance with a small element of public financial support. Then, with a little vision this great building can be put to use again. We look forward to the challenge and believe we can deliver something great for this town of ours."