Construction contractor Bouygues UK, in partnership with Buckingham Pools, has built two multi-purpose pools at Llanelli’s Pentre Awel. The pools offer world-class leisure facilities for the local community.
The innovative, multi-million-pound development, being delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council, houses a centrepiece 25-metre competition pool, featuring a full Ardex proprietary waterproof render and screed system, topped with a tanking membrane, accompanied by a smaller learner pool.
The world-class Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, Paris project was developed by Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France and Bouygues Travaux Publics, subsidiaries of Bouygues Construction and, due to the close similarity to the frame structure, advanced filtration systems and construction process for the Pentre Awel pools, Bouygues UK took lessons from the Paris build to enhance the quality of the multi-use pools in Llanelli.
The Pentre Awel development’s main pool has eight lanes, along with top-edge markings and a designated non-swimmer area. It is designed with a double overflow channel system, which separates pool water from poolside water with tiled sectional pieces. It will also boast a state-of-the-art timing system, a large 4K display screen, and the latest assisted access equipment from PoolPod, ensuring accessibility for all users.
Adjacent to the main pool is the learner pool, designed to mirror the width of the competition pool. It will serve as an ideal space for swimming lessons for both juniors and adults. The learner pool features the same high-quality design finishes as the main pool, ensuring the look of the facility remains consistent.
Pentre Awel project director Peter Sharpe, from Bouygues UK, said: “These pools offer the local community a fantastic facility. Working collaboratively alongside Buckingham Pools means the community of Carmarthenshire County will have a world-class leisure centre on its doorstep. The project team visited the Paris Olympic pool, a similar project, to ensure that we incorporated best practices, precise detailing and strong specifications, with a focus on delivering a competitive pool in a challenging environment.”
Richard Sharman, Contracts Manager at Buckingham Pools added: “Being appointed by Bouygues UK, a leader in the construction industry, reflects the trust in Buckingham Pools’ quality and reliability. Bouygues UK is renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability—values that align closely with our own. The Pentre Awel project is more than just a construction initiative; it represents a vision of community wellness and engagement.
“With two swimming pools, each featuring high design specifications and different usage requirements, the project demanded meticulous attention to detail and time management. One of the main challenges has been adhering to the tight construction programme and adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted other trades, causing a domino effect on our work schedule. However, despite these obstacles, we have adapted and maintained progress through careful planning and flexibility.”
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Cultureand Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “The new leisure facilities at Pentre Awel will significantly improve user experience, providing them with high quality swimming pools, that suit those who are learning to swim, or those who may be more experienced. These improvements have been made with the community in mind, and the Council is proud they can deliver on something that will positively impact local communities”.
The innovative, multi-million-pound Pentre Awel development will bring together life science and business innovation, community healthcare and modern leisure facilities at the 83-acre Delta Lakes site on the Llanelli coastline. It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal (£40million) and is the largest regeneration scheme in south west Wales.
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