WRW Starts work on the Pumphouse Restaurant Development at Llanelli

WRW Construction has commenced work on restoring the iconic and church like structured Pumphouse that once operated massive gates on Llanelli’s North Dock into a first class restaurant of distinction. 

Rugby International stars Dwayne Peel and Stephen Jones have formed a new company along with award-winning restaurateur Simon Wright and WRW’s Robert Williams.

The company, Bendigo 9-10, was selected by the Llanelli Waterside joint venture partnership as the preferred developer to renovate and run The Pumphouse, which overlooks Llanelli’s North Dock.

Work on the project is now underway following planning and listed building consent and the scheme has benefited from a tourism investment grant and CADW funding.

It is part of the £250m redevelopment of the town’s waterside, which is being driven forward by a partnership between the Welsh Assembly Government and Carmarthenshire County Council.

County Chief Executive Mark James said: “The Pumphouse occupies a strategic position on North Dock and has been identified as one of the key projects in the Llanelli Waterside development”.

Plans put forward by Bendigo 9-10 for the listed building will create over 20 jobs and include the establishment of a 100 cover restaurant with a stylish bar area.

An integral part of the proposal is the development of a Welsh Chef Academy, designed in partnership with Coleg Sir Gar to cultivate the talents of the most promising catering students in the region.

Simon Wright, who will be responsible for the restaurant operation, has a strong background in the food industry being a partner in the award- winning Y Polyn restaurant at Nantgaredig and a former editor of the AA Restaurant Guide.

Robert Williams said, “We look forward to taking this project forward and are confident that our proposals will bring long-term benefits not only to Llanelli Waterside but to the wider region.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies AM said: “Bendigo 9-10’s sustainable and sympathetic conservation proposals have the potential to create a landmark feature that will place it firmly on the map as a destination for excellent food.

“The proposed introduction of a training academy is an exciting development and a tangible community benefit."

“It would be the first of its type in Wales, where young trainee chefs get the opportunity to develop in a dedicated training facility, allied to a top quality kitchen environment.”