Cinema and hotel in town revamp

A detailed planning application is expected to go before councillors in Carmarthenshire later this year

A multi-screen cinema chain and hotel group are to anchor a new town centre leisure development in Llanelli.

The companies are in the process of completing legal agreements to anchor the town's Eastern Gateway site.

An entire street of derelict properties has been demolished to make way for the complex that is also set to include shops, a restaurant and public square.

The town's existing council run cinema complex needs around £4m to bring the facilities up to scratch.

Carmarthenshire Council leader Meryl Gravell said: "The two anchor stores are committed to this scheme and the matter is being handled by solicitors at the moment. We expect to be able to announce their names shortly.

Derelict properties on Upper Park Street have already been demolished

"A lot of interest is also being shown from other leisure operators, such as for bars and restaurants, and we are confident to have lots of good news for Llanelli town centre in the very near future."

Upper Park Street and its surrounding area have already been cleared to make way for the development.

It is understood the new cinema will have around five or six screens.

Film fans currently use the three-screen Entertainment Centre.

It also houses Llanelli's only theatre and will remain open until a replacement can be built.

The council is in the process of applying for grants after an £18m scheme in North Dock lost out on lottery funding last year.

The Eastern Gateway also includes plans for bars, restaurants, shops and office space to accommodate up to 250 people.

A new car park with 250 spaces and an improved bus station are also part of the package.