Plans to create a unique Wellness and Life Science Village in Llanelli have taken a step forward with the Welsh Government announcing it is to fund a Masterplan for the project.
The Welsh Government has also agreed to vary the terms of the Llanelli Coast Joint Venture agreement with Carmarthenshire County Council to formally include the proposed development, subject to an agreed business plan.
The Wellness and Life Science Village aims to transform the way the region delivers care and promotes wellbeing – partnering first-class health, research and life science, with innovative leisure opportunities to help people live healthy lives.
The proposed multi-million pound development earmarked for Delta Lakes is being led by Carmarthenshire Council. It forms part of the wider regional collaboration for health initiative being taken forward by Abertawe Bro Morgannwg and Hywel Dda Health Boards and Swansea University. It is also one of the projects highlighted in the Swansea Bay City Region City Deal document.
The Masterplan study will build on the feasibility study that is currently being undertaken.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Economy Ken Skates said: “The Wellness and Life Science Village is an innovative proposal with the potential to make an impact on the health and well being of residents. It is also designed to boost the region’s economy and skills base in a sustainable way while supporting the regeneration of the area. I am pleased to announce funding for a masterplan and associated business case to take the project forward.”
Carmarthenshire councillor Meryl Gravell, chair of the ARCH Wellness and Wellbeing working group, said: “This scheme is really making progress, the appointment of the project manager and the funding for the feasibility study are significant steps in this development.
“It is an ambitious and unique scheme, which will not only be aimed at improving the health and well-being of people across the region, but will also boost the economy and provide high quality jobs.”
The concept of a Wellness and Life Science Village followed talks on plans to build a new leisure centre in Llanelli and the council’s desire to work collaboratively with health partners, putting additional investment into facilities and services to help prevent ill-health and reduce pressure on front-line health care.
Scoping work to fine-tune details of the pioneering scheme is underway, with potential to include a state-of-the-art wellness and leisure centre, and life science and research facilities, as well as the possibility of a hotel, conferencing and high-spec business suites.