New plans have been revealed to transform two empty blocks of a shopping center in Wales into a major late-night food court. St Elli shopping center in the heart of Llanelli, like many other shopping areas, has suffered from store closures in recent years, especially during and after the various closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The two closed units were previously occupied by retail giants Sports Direct and Argos. But now there is hope that the food court can breathe new life into the empty premises and the mall in general. You can keep up to date with the latest Carmarthenshire news by signing up to our local newsletter here.

In March 2021, Argos confirmed that its store in St Elli’s shopping center would not reopen following a period of closure caused by the lockdown imposed in December 2020. It was then confirmed in September 2022 that Sports Direct would follow suit and leave St. Elli’s. with retail giant Wilko, but a spokesperson for the shopping center said “we have exciting plans for the redevelopment of the Argos and Sports Direct buildings, which will bring more people back to the city centre. “.

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The plans have now been published and the center has announced: “We are pleased to share the plans submitted to convert the Centre’s former Sports Direct and Argos units into a food court. Of course, we intend to make this a place that attracts customers and visitors during evenings and weekends, as well as complementing the existing gastronomic offer in our city. “Of course, the center’s opening hours will change drastically to coincide with those of the Ffwrnes Theater and Odeon Cinema, which in turn, we hope, will bring vitality back to the city center for the benefit of all customers and merchants.”

Artist’s impression of what the food court will look like after its opening.










According to planning documents submitted by Asbri Planning to Carmarthenshire Council: “The site is located in Llanelli town center where its overall retail/commercial function has deteriorated significantly over the last decade as a result of the impact of sales from retailers outside the city. events, the general crisis in the retail sector and the Covid-19 pandemic. The center is characterized by a high percentage of unoccupied retail/commercial units, with a large number of low quality retail/charity store operators in the main retail core of the centre.

“Llanelli’s regeneration strategy, which is closely aligned with the Welsh Government’s Targeted Regeneration (TRI) objectives, aims to ensure that significant investment and resources are available to address issues such as the regeneration of vacant sites in the city center and the introduction of new empty sites in the city center and the introduction of new empty sites in the city center. and modern housing stock to support a variety of end objectives. At this time, it is important to note that Carmarthenshire County Council has commissioned a masterplan for the regeneration of Llanelli town center in response to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Master Plan reviewed existing regeneration activities and sought to provide a new focus on priorities and strategies for regeneration and future growth.

“With retail volumes decreasing and store formats increasing, the masterplan recognizes that there is a need to reuse and repurpose a large number of properties in the city center. Vacancy rates have increased in Llanelli, especially in the central area along Vaughan Street, Stepney Street and St Ellie Centre. Maintaining occupancy levels and avoiding a ‘gap’ in the center will be essential.”

The opening date for the food court has not yet been announced, but people are already excited about the development and what it could mean for Llanelli town centre. On the mall’s Facebook page, people said the plans looked “cool” and were a “great idea.” One person said: “Congratulations to St Ellie’s Shopping Center for wanting to bring things to our city center; the plans look fantastic,” while another said: “Something good has come to Llanelli at the moment and will hopefully attract people to the town.” .

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