An artist’s impression of The Works – a cultural
village to include theatres, cinemas, a creative gallery,
restaurants and more
Transforming a derelict brownfield site in Llanelli into an
iconic creative and cultural centre – The Works – is part of a
dynamic regeneration programme aimed at promoting the town and
enriching the lives of its community.
The £26 million project is the subject of a Big Lottery Fund bid in
competition with two other major projects in Wales. The bid was
submitted at the end of May 2007 and the winner will be announced
in October. The proposal is to create a cultural village including
a 550-seat theatre, studio theatre, cinema, creative gallery,
community spaces, restaurants and other supporting facilities. The
brief from the National Lottery was to develop an iconic building,
which the architects addressed by designing a large triangular
canopy roof structure clad in transparent plastic ‘pillows’. An
exciting combination of modern and contemporary architecture has
been used to dramatise effect.
Mott MacDonald’s team has been providing strategic
project management and technical support services for its
development, which is due for completion in 2009.
Importantly, extensive community consultation has been undertaken
to define the scope of facilities and obtain early feedback on the
architecture.
Bringing the project to delivery as a highly detailed submission
for lottery funding was a triumph for teamwork across a range of
disciplines. This has involved close and productive cooperation
with the client team at Carmarthenshire County Council.
The following testimonials have been received from all areas of
the Council:
“What a fantastic effort” – Cllr Mery Gravell (Leader
of Carmarthenshire County Council)
“I have enjoyed the experience and met and worked
alongside some really talented and committed people on the way” –
Carwyn Matera – Rogers (County Theatres Manager)
“There certainly has been a good team effort with this
project” – Chris Moore (Head of Financial Services)
“A massive thanks to everyone for their contribution
and commitment over the last 12 months” – Neville Davis (The
European Centre)
