A new department store is poised to inject a much-needed boost into a Welsh town’s shopping centre, which has faced challenging times in recent years. St Elli Shopping Centre in the heart of Llanelli, like many high street areas, has witnessed several closures, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Post-lockdown, establishments such as Argos, Sports Direct, and Wilko bid farewell to the centre, striving to entice shoppers back to Llanelli town amidst the allure of out-of-town shopping at Parc Trostre.
Residents received promising news last year with the announcement of a forthcoming late-night food court in part of St Elli. Building on this positive momentum, the centre is set to welcome a new discount store, Boyes, with over 70 outlets across England offering a variety of products including household items, fashion, and footwear. The Llanelli branch, marking Boyes’ first foray into Wales, will inhabit the former Wilko space, now occupied by a CK Foodstore branch. Additionally, plans are underway to develop eight new retail units on the upper floor of the ex-Wilko site and reinstate access to the shopping centre from the multi-storey car park.
A spokesperson for St Elli Shopping Centre stated, “We are thrilled to announce that a branch of the established Yorkshire-based retailer, Boyes, will be opening later this year in the former CK Outlet store—a first for Wales. Upstairs, we are working on eight new retail units and reinstating access to the car park.” The spokesperson also revealed that progress on the food court would accelerate in the coming months, with an upcoming HSBC branch set to open within the centre. The refurbishment of the former Sports Direct premises is slated to begin in early November, with HSBC moving into the former Argos space.
Local Llanelli officials have welcomed the news, anticipating St Elli’s potential to rejuvenate the town. Deputy leader of Llanelli Town Council, councillor Andre McPherson, expressed optimism that the development would enhance footfall and create a vibrant atmosphere in Llanelli. Similarly, town and county councillor Suzy Curry praised the announcement as a positive indicator of the town’s revival, suggesting that the inclusion of a food hall would further invigorate the town centre and attract additional businesses.
The progression at St Elli Shopping Centre signals a promising transformation that aims to reinvigorate Llanelli’s retail landscape and foster a sense of community engagement. With new retail offerings and amenities on the horizon, the centre’s evolution aligns with efforts to revitalise the town and instil a renewed sense of vibrancy in the local community.