Carmarthenshire County Council is facing calls to pause the planned demolition of the former Wilko building in Carmarthen and urgently re engage with Buzz Parks over plans for a major family entertainment centre.
Campaigners and representatives of Buzz Parks gathered outside the former Wilko building on Friday evening to oppose its demolition and call for the company’s proposal to be properly considered.
Buzz Parks says it has been trying to take on the building for more than a year but has received very little correspondence from the council.
The company wants to invest its own money to transform the vacant building into a family entertainment centre featuring rock climbing, a trampoline park, soft play, a zip wire, interactive activities, dedicated facilities for children with additional learning needs, virtual reality rooms, an amusement area, a sports bar and potentially padel courts.
Buzz Parks says its surveyor believes the building remains viable for a 20 year lease with the improvements it proposes.
Based on the performance of its existing Swansea venue, the company estimates the development could attract between 2,000 and 2,500 families into Carmarthen town centre every week.
Community campaigner Scott Bayes, who organised the protest, said:
“Tonight we sent a clear message to Carmarthenshire County Council. Pause the demolition and re engage properly with Buzz Parks before this opportunity is lost forever.
“Buzz Parks is an experienced operator with a serious plan and is willing to invest its own money in Carmarthen. Its proposal could create jobs, deliver much needed facilities for families and bring thousands of people into the town centre.
“The council should be doing everything possible to explore this opportunity before spending further public money demolishing a usable building when no replacement development or new tenant has been announced.
“Once this building is demolished, there is no going back. We need the council to stop, listen and properly compare the benefits of reuse against demolition.
“This is not about handing the building to one company without scrutiny. It is about ensuring that a credible proposal receives proper consideration before an irreversible decision is taken.”
Buzz Parks told campaigners that the building could generate between 15 and 20 years of rental income for the council if its proposal went ahead.
Campaigners also questioned the environmental impact of demolishing such a substantial building, particularly when there is currently no confirmed replacement development for the site.
They are calling for:
An immediate pause to the planned demolition
Urgent and meaningful discussions between Carmarthenshire County Council and Buzz Parks
A full and transparent assessment of the Buzz Parks proposal
Publication of the financial and environmental case for demolition compared with reuse
Clear information about what is planned for the site following demolition
Scott added:
“Carmarthen needs jobs, investment, footfall and attractions that give families a reason to visit and remain in the town.
“We are asking the council to put common sense first and properly examine this proposal before the building is reduced to rubble.
“Buzz Parks has put an alternative on the table. The public deserves to know why it has not been fully explored.”
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
