Pentre Awel is the first development of its scope and size in Wales providing world-class medical research and health care delivery and supporting and encouraging people to lead active and healthy lives.
As well as improving health and wellbeing, the project will create almost 2,000 jobs and training/apprenticeship opportunities, and is expected to boost the local economy by a £467million over the next 15 years.
Set within an 83-acre site at Delta Lakes, the council-led project will be developed in phases across four zones. It includes:
Pentre Awel will provide a state-of-the-art new £27million leisure centre which will incorporate:
The research and development will help to push the boundaries of understanding of what it means to live well. Pentre Awel will be home to big science and small start-ups, established businesses and new kids on the block. All working in partnership with universities and colleges and the health board to make life better.
A clinical research and delivery centre will enable Hywel Dda University Health Board to expand its research and medical engineering provision by focusing on community level clinical trials, linked to facilities on site; and provide multi-disciplinary care closer to home for a wide range of community-focused services.
A well-being skills centre will focus on health and care training, with courses ranging from entry level through to postgraduate, placing students in a clinical setting and focusing on areas where there is a skill shortage.
An exciting development of 35 social and affordable homes will be developed within zone 2 of the project. This housing will be located in the north-east of Pentre Awel.
Assisted living facilities will contain a variety of housing options for residents of all ages who require additional support. The aim of this accommodation is to support independence, enhanced through the use of the latest supported living technologies by specialist research and development companies based on site.
Integrated care and physical rehabilitation facilities will enable the testing and piloting of life science technologies aimed at enhancing independent and assisted living.
Approximately 144 assisted living apartments and houses for sale and rent will be created to promote independent living among residents.
Up to 10,000m² expansion business space will be provided for spin-out activities.
A hotel set against a stunning coastal landscape will provide up to 140-bed accommodation as well as a range of facilities to promote wellness among visitors. A Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) was undertaken earlier this year, with a view to submitting an outline planning application.
A 35-unit open market housing development will be situated south of the development with stunning coastal views.
All set within the natural landscape, around a freshwater lake and within walking distance of the Millennium Coastal Park, Pentre Awel will feature landscaped outdoor public spaces for recreation, with walking and cycling paths and stunning coastal views.
Outline planning for the site was secured in August 2019 (Planning Reference Number: S/36948). A range of environmental surveys and assessments were carried out in support of the planning application and are accessible via the planning portal.
Detailed design work has been undertaken on Zone 1, which will bring together education, business, research, leisure and health in a single building. These facilities will be linked together in a ‘street’ layout, connected by a central atrium comprising a reception, café and other public amenities. The street will be the community heart of the village with lots of exhibition space and breakout areas enjoying spectacular views across the lake, and west to the Loughor Estuary and Carmarthen Bay.
The designs showcase the council’s ambition to create a development that is landscape-led, connected to local communities and amenities and is sustainable. The Zone 1 facilities will maximise the use of daylight and natural ventilation where possible, and bring the ‘outside inside’ to promote good physical and mental wellbeing. In addition, green/brown roofs and photovoltaic panels form an important part of a site wide energy strategy and reflect the council’s aspirations in relation to net-zero carbon.
Pentre Awel is being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, Universities and Colleges including Coleg Sir Gar, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Swansea University and Cardiff University.
It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million).
https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/business/development-and-investment/pentre-awel/
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