Austin-Smith:Lord was appointed by Bouygues UK to develop design proposals for the adaptation and re-purposing of the redundant Debenhams department store building in the centre of Carmarthen into a new Hwb facility.

Containing facilities for Hywel Dda University Health Board, University of Wales Trinity St David and Carmarthenshire County Council Leisure and Advice Services, the new Hwb will be a significant destination within the town, providing essential community services.

The ground floor is dedicated to health and well-being with a major clinic and healthcare centre working with a 24-hour Gym operated by the Council’s Leisure Services team and the Advice Hwb providing client facing Council services.

The first floor includes a family entertainment facility, incorporating Adventure TAG, indoor karting, Toy Town/adventure play, adventure golf, bookable party rooms and a food and beverage servery, with the facilities operated by Carmarthenshire County Council and Play Revolution appointed as the equipment provider.

University of Wales Trinity Saint David will also occupy spaces for training and conferences.

The Hwb is an innovative and creative intervention by the Local Authority aimed at arresting the decline of retail activity in the town centre and generating new visitor numbers. It will be a catalyst for the regeneration and sustainable future of the retail heart of the town.