Arup reveals plans to transform ex-industrial Delta Lakes site near Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, Wales, into a centre for health and wellbeing.

The 83-acre development known as Pentre Awel will bring together facilities for life science businesses and higher education, with healthcare and leisure in a chain of five two-three storey buildings connected by an “enclosed street”.

The buildings will be faced in brick and metal in reference to the industrial heritage of the site, which was used for tin and steel production and coal exports, and which has remained undeveloped since the late twentieth century. Solar panels mounted on the planted roofs will contribute to the use of renewable energy in the project, which is aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating as a minimum.

Past of the scheme will involve decontaminating the site and creating a landscaped setting for the buildings themed around health and wellbeing.

“The landscaping seeks to bring the outside in, encouraging people to explore and remain active. It permeates into the courtyard entrances that erode the building form, and key spaces within enjoy spectacular views across the adjacent lake and west to the Loughor Estuary,” says a statement from Arup.

Work on this first phase of the Pentre Awel scheme is set to start later this year and is part funded by £40m from the Swansea Bay City Deal investment programme. Later phases include assisted living accommodation and a nursing home, a hotel and a range of housing.

“Throughout the design process, we have adopted a holistic approach to sustainability, striving to maximise social, environmental and economic benefits in the long term. This scheme is a perfect exemplar for the post-Covid levelling up agenda, placing health and wellbeing at the heart of regeneration in one of the UK’s most deprived communities,” says Jo Wright, leader of Arup’s architecture practice.