Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

The redevelopment of Aberystwyth University’s prestigious Old College has come a step closer after the University’s Council approved a feasibility study on Monday 24 June. Exciting proposals for an art gallery/museum, artists’ studios, a postgraduate study centre, community/performance spaces, residential accommodation for postgraduate students and visiting academics, a café/restaurant and commercial spaces for small businesses feature in the study prepared by architects Austin-Smith: Lord, in conjunction with Hosta Ltd. Also featured are proposals for other University owned property in the vicinity of the Old College - Rock House (1 and 2 Marine Terrace), which for many years housed the University’s Medical Centre, Y Bwthyn (King Street) and 1,9 and 10 Laura Place. The latter, the Assembly Rooms, includes the Joseph Parry Hall. The total project cost is expected to be in the region of £15m to £20m. The authors consulted extensively with representatives from local businesses and the ...

Llanelli's skyline is being spiked by towering new steel structures. After years of planning and clearing of blight, the benefits of a £60-million investment are unfolding as a new town is born. The dawning of Llanelli’s bright new future has not been without pain. Llanelli has suffered years of migration of some traders to out of town shopping centres. But now there is a new degree of optimism with the tide turning as Carmarthenshire County Council’s innovative policies and dynamic regeneration team has attracted Welsh Assembly and European Regional Development Funding. Now the town centre is fighting back. Llanelli’s major regeneration programme will not only transform the town’s look but its fortunes too. Five major projects are being developed which will showcase a wide range of arts, entertainment, leisure and business opportunities. They include a new Theatre, arts and social enterprise complex called Y Ffwrness; the refurbishments of Llanelly House and Llanelli Library, a ne...