Council help for bowling alley plan to top �1m

COUNCIL chiefs are preparing to take their financial backing for a 10-pin bowling alley scheme in Carmarthen above �1 million.

They have already provided land worth an estimated �750,000 to support Towy Community Church's plan to convert the former St Ivel creamery in Llansteffan Road, Johnstown, into a bowling alley, food bank and furniture recycling centre creating around 17 jobs.

Now they are preparing to provide up to �280,000 in cash to ensure the scheme goes ahead.

Council leader Meryl Gravell said: "We have decided it will go to executive board to approve a contribution of �280,000, which is the capital that has been identified as necessary to really get this up and running."

The scheme had previously secured nearly �800,000 of National Lottery and Assembly Government funding, but the Post understands the Lottery was nervous about releasing its funding until all other support was in place.

Backers

With a shortfall of about �280,000, the council's support should, if approved, provide the reassurance necessary to allow the �2 million first phase of the project get under way while the scheme's backers continue the search for more grants.

Mrs Gravell said: "During the next few months our officers will try and find some more money to bring that amount down, but in the meantime we can't fail this project."

Council chiefs are not only keen to support a major social enterprise initiative — profits from the bowling alley will help support the running costs of the food bank and furniture recycling centre — but they also believe there is financial sense in providing the funding guarantee.

Unused

The former creamery costs the council nearly �55,000 a year in business rates, so it would end up spending about �280,000 anyway if the site went unused over the next five years.

The second phase of the development would add a 612-seat auditorium and conference centre, a debt counselling service and a 50-seat community cafe, but the church is still raising funds for this part.

The total scheme is projected to cost �5 million.

Towy Community Church pastor Mark Bennett, speaking about the council cash boost, said: "We are thrilled to have the support of the county council and the community as a whole.

"The support from the council is an incredible incentive to push forward with this unique programme."

Work on phase one is expected to start in June.

david.price@swwmedia.co.uk

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