The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and the discount food retailer Aldi have launched a consultation on proposals for a new ‘food village’, including a new Aldi store, as part of the University’s Canolfan Tir Glas proposals in Lampeter.
As part of the application, Aldi and UWTSD have confirmed that the proposals would also safeguard and enhance the neighbouring Pontfaen playing field, as well as contribute to the refurbishment of the existing facilities and sports pavilion, currently in situ on the wider site.
Emyr Jones, Head of Property Development at the University explained:
“This exciting new development in Lampeter could contribute significantly to the economic regeneration of the town and the surrounding area. The vision revolves around the creation of a food village on a small part of the University’s playing fields at Pontfaen with a cluster of food cabins being erected in close proximity to a brand new Aldi neighbourhood food store where local produce can be displayed and where activities linked to the food industry can be a regular feature.
“The development would support the University’s intention to establish Canolfan Tir Glas – a new food and rural enterprise academy – on its campus and that, in turn, would allow the town to further strengthen its links with the land, providing it with a clear brand and focus for the future.”
He went on to say:
“The food village would be well-placed to build on the success of the annual Lampeter Food Festival and act as a stage on which it could celebrate and market the successful food industry that already exists in Ceredigion at both a national and international level. A new Aldi store would also enable Lampeter to develop as a key shopping destination in the region as well as creating up to 40 new jobs paying industry leading wages of at least £9.40 per hour for the area.”
Gwilym Dyfri Jones, Provost of the Lampeter Campus, added:
“The whole initative is based on community regeneration with the University, as one of the town’s core institutions, eager to play its part as a catalyst for change.
“These proposals not only provide Lampeter with an opportunity to market itself, but it also allows the University to work within its community, collaborating with a number of key partners to revive the local economy and to ensure the long-term prosperity of the town and the surrounding area.’
A spokesperson on behalf of Aldi added:
“We’re really excited to be working with the University to form part of its exciting campus development plans. Currently customers are travelling to Aberystwyth and beyond to access a discount food offering, so this will represent a significant improvement on journey times, and also encourage more people to stay and shop locally through linked trips to the food village and other outlets in the town.
“We have just launched our public consultation on the proposals to seek local feedback on the plans prior to submitting a planning application. We’ve already sought to refine the proposals following our previous discussions with local stakeholders and I look forward to further feedback on the latest plans.”
A new consultation website has been launched, which contains further information about the plans, including all draft planning application documents for those with an interest in the proposals to have a read. A leaflet was also issued to the local community with freepost response cards encouraging local feedback on the plans.
Further details about how to find out more information and how to participate in the formal pre-application consultation process can be found at https://tirglas.cymru/pontfaen-food-village/
