2020 brings exciting new developments in Lampeter as the work on redeveloping the Canolfan Dulais site in the town gets underway. With the aid of the European Regional Development Fund investment and Welsh Government Targeted Regeneration funding the project will bring an investment of £3.2m to the town.

Tai Ceredigion – who purchased the building from University of Wales Trinity Saint David in March 2018 – revealed the exciting new plans to demolish the old ‘Government Buildings’ in early 2019. The existing structure had poor insulation and the heating system was not fit for purpose. The new plans will create modern eco-friendly business units, particularly for SME’s and businesses, charities and organisations working in the social care sector. The new centre will also have a teleconference facility that will be able to be hired out.

Ceredigion County Council Officers supported the Canolfan Dulais project by encouraging the development through funding applications. The council also plays an advisory role on the project and represents the project in discussions with funding bodies and the regional partnership.  Contractors TR Jones of Ammanford have been awarded the tender. They started on-site on 13 January 2020 with work underway to demolish the current building. The development will also bring much-needed construction work for local trades within the town.

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council, said: “We see Canolfan Dulais as a real priority for the local and regional economy. We must create modern spaces for local businesses to use and grow. The social care sector is short of capacity in the area where we see a growing demand. We are confident that Canolfan Dulais will be an important step towards growing the sector.”

Steve Jones, Chief Executive of Tai Ceredigion added: “It has taken much hard work from our team to get to the point where the contractors can start on-site and the construction work can get underway. We are grateful to the Welsh Government, Welsh European Office and Ceredigion County Council for sharing our vision and for the support to help bring the idea to reality. We are looking forward to sharing updates on the development and starting conversations with potential new tenants for the building.”

Councillor Rhodri Evans, Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regeneration said: “I’m delighted that a first class premises for start-up and growth businesses, particularly in the Social Care sector, is coming to Lampeter and the work is underway. Canolfan Dulais is a vitally important development for the area which the Council is proud to support.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said: “It’s great that work has begun on this project. The Welsh Government has invested £1,530,000 of funding which will help improve access to an important community facility, which will bring people together, to help tackle social isolation, support jobs, provide training opportunities and the accommodation of social enterprises.  “We want to support local businesses, grow our fantastic town centres and I look forward to seeing it take shape.”