New Swimming Facilities at Canolfan Pentre Awel

The swimming complex at Canolfan Pentre Awel in Llanelli, delivered in partnership with our specialist contractor Buckingham Pools, offers new opportunities for local residents to engage in swimming, exercise, and rehabilitation. Designed to accommodate a wide range of users, these modern pools provide accessible spaces for leisure, learning, and clinical support.

The complex comprises three pools: an eight-lane main pool suitable for public and competitive swimming, a learner pool for lessons and family sessions, and a hydrotherapy pool for NHS rehabilitation and clinical programmes. These facilities allow community members to participate in swimming, whether for recreation, skill-building, or therapeutic needs.

Accessibility has been a key consideration, with features such as Poolpod assisted-access lifts allowing people with reduced mobility to use the pools independently. The inclusion of energy-efficient systems also supports the centre’s aim of maintaining responsible and sustainable operations.

The project generated wide reaching benefits during construction with the creation of 76 new entrant jobs, 67 apprenticeships through local supply chain partnerships, and ten additional apprentices through Cyfle’s Shared Apprenticeship Scheme via Whitehead Building Services. It also set up an employment hub, in partnership with Acorn by Synergie, running 15 sessions and helping 36 people into work. In addition our team achieved Net Zero in site activities.

“We were delighted to work alongside Buckingham Pools, who led the delivery of the swimming complex at Canolfan Pentre Awel with exceptional expertise and professionalism. Their leadership of the pool works, from concept to completion, was central to achieving a facility of outstanding quality for Carmarthenshire County Council. As the main contractor, Bouygues UK greatly valued the collaborative approach and specialist knowledge that Buckingham Pools brought to the team. The result is a first-class community resource that will serve Llanelli for generations.”

Peter Sharpe, Project Director at Bouygues UK

“I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of the County Council to Buckingham Pools for their involvement in the project. The pool element of the development was extremely important to the overall success of Canolfan Pentre Awel and I am pleased to say that the pool is being enjoyed by the community as originally intended.”

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism at Carmarthenshire County Council

As use of the swimming complex grows, the pools at Canolfan Pentre Awel are expected to provide lasting opportunities for health, wellbeing, and community activity.