MULTI-MILLION pound plans for a life science and well-being village in Llanelli have taken a major step forward.
An outline planning application has now been submitted to Carmarthenshire Council for the innovative project at Delta Lakes, which includes new sport and leisure facilities, along with state-of-the-art services for health and well-being.
Subject to planning approvals, work could start on the £200 million development towards the end of the year.
The life science and well-being village is aiming to create up to 2,000 high-quality, well-paid jobs over 15 years, helping give the local economy a £467 million boost.
Other features of the development include business and research opportunities, education, training and assisted living accommodation. The site will also be landscaped to give opportunities for scenic walks, cycles and recreation.
Cllr Emlyn Dole, Carmarthenshire Council Leader, said: “The submission of an outline planning application is another step forward for an exciting, bold and innovative project that will place Llanelli at the heart of global life science and well-being innovation.
“As well as cutting-edge medical research facilities and services, assisted living accommodation and opportunities for training and education, the life science and well-being village will also boost Llanelli and Carmarthenshire as a whole by creating new high-value jobs, pathways to employment for local people and facilities for community use, including a state-of-the-art leisure centre.
“A recent drop-in event held in Llanelli showed more than 90% of people are either supportive or very supportive of the project, which is extremely encouraging because we’re determined to deliver this development for their benefit.
“Sustainability will be key to the development, along with sensitive design that ensures new buildings are in keeping with the character of the nearby area.”
The life science and well-being village is being led by Carmarthenshire Council, in partnership with Swansea University, the Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.
The development is part of the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal programme, which includes 11 major projects across Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire. Work is progressing with the Welsh and UK Governments to develop the bid to secure a £40 million investment for the life science and well-being village as part of this programme.
Signed by the Prime Minister in March last year, the City Deal includes funding from the UK and Welsh Governments, the public sector and the private sector.
Cllr Dole said: “Life sciences and well-being are among the key themes of the City Deal, which will improve people’s lives, opportunities and aspirations right across the Swansea Bay City Region.
“Like all City Deal projects, the life science and well-being village at Delta Lakes will be underpinned by world class digital infrastructure and a skills and talent initiative that will give local people opportunities to access the high-value jobs that will be created.”
The first phase of the project, set to be open in early 2021, will include a community health hub, extensive landscaping and a wellness hub featuring a top quality leisure centre.
The submission of the outline planning application follows a pre-planning application consultation period that’s now finished.
