Parc Dewi Sant secures £750,000 to support Carmarthen regeneration project

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Parc Dewi Sant, a 38-acre estate in the heart of Carmarthen, has received a £750,000 loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Wales, to support the next phase of its redevelopment.

The site, formerly a mental health hospital, has undergone significant change over the past two years as its owners work to reposition it as a centre for business, public services and community activity.

The latest funding will support Phase 2 of the programme, focused on repairing and upgrading a number of buildings, including listed structures, to create additional space for new tenants.

Although formally part of the development pipeline, much of Phase 2 is already underway, with a substantial portion of works completed on schedule and within budget, helping to reduce delivery risk.

Since acquiring the estate, the Parc Dewi Sant team has attracted 60 new tenants, bringing total occupancy to 80 organisations.

These include a mix of public and private sector bodies such as Swansea University, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police, alongside independent healthcare providers, fitness operators and childcare services.

The scheme is being led by majority shareholder and director Mark Andrews, a developer known for his work in converting listed buildings across Wales.

The business operates as a family-run venture, with Andrews working alongside his daughters, Izzy and Polly, on delivery.

The estate is managed by Savills and has developed a strong community focus alongside its commercial offering.

Fourteen charitable and community interest organisations now have a permanent base on site, with additional groups making use of flexible workspace at the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre.

Around 700 people access free community services at the site each month, supported by dedicated space within the grounds.

Environmental measures have also been introduced, including the installation of 500 solar panels and upgraded LED lighting, with electric vehicle charging points planned as part of the next phase.

Mark Andrews said: “This is an iconic estate with enormous potential and we’re proud of the progress we’ve made over the last two years to turn it into somewhere that works for Carmarthen and the wider community.

“Bringing new tenants onto the site is vital for long-term sustainability, but so is creating a genuine hub for services that improve people’s lives.

“The support from the Development Bank of Wales has enabled us to keep momentum behind Phase 2, working with local contractors we trust and building on what we’ve already delivered on time and on budget process has been clear, constructive and straightforward, and it’s helped us move quickly from plan to delivery.”

The deal was led by Clare Sullivan and Sally Phillips at the Development Bank of Wales, with the lender highlighting the scheme as an example of regeneration delivering both economic and social outcomes.

Sally Phillips said: “Parc Dewi Sant is a strong example of regeneration done with purpose. Mark Andrews and the wider team bring a proven track record in complex redevelopment, and the progress already made on site gives confidence in the delivery of Phase 2.

“The estate has quickly become home to a growing mix of tenants and vital services, while also providing meaningful support to the third sector and the wider community.

“Our investment from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund will help build on that momentum and support the site’s continued economic and social impact in Carmarthen.”

The £500 million Wales Flexible Investment Fund provides loans, mezzanine finance and equity investment ranging from £25,000 to £10 million, with repayment terms of up to 15 years, aimed at supporting the growth of Welsh businesses.