A traditional market town has been transformed by a council programme.
Newcastle Emlyn has seen a range of improvements as part of the Ten Towns programme by Carmarthenshire County Council and the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
The town is home to major employers in varying industries, such as biotech, engineering, and agriculture, and plays a key role in the local economy.
The Ten Towns programme has helped to restore the Grade II listed Hengwrt building, which has been vacant since 2019.
It has now been turned into a community hub for events, services, and local activities.
Support was also provided for the British Cycling Junior National Time Trial and National Road Race Championships, bringing "national attention to the town, increasing footfall and offering a significant boost to local businesses".
Funding has been given to ensure future events can continue.
The Newcastle Emlyn District Collective was supported for its Music in the Park event, which drew large crowds over the summer.
By February 2026, the town will have an 88-seat amphitheatre in the centre, providing a "facility for local people to use and enjoy a range of theatrical performances and live music" as well as attracting more visitors.
Several high street premises have seen improvements, and well-known Carmarthenshire street artist Steve Jenkins has created a mural showing the town's unique history.
Resurfacing work on Sycamore Street has created a more "welcoming aesthetic" that "aligns with the town’s historical charm and enhances accessibility for residents and visitors alike".
A circular economy hub has also been created by local group Cadernid Emlyn, which encourages "sustainability and resource sharing within the community".
Elsehwhere, the council's rural customer service team Hwb Bach y Wlad helps Carmarthenshire residents with their council enquiries and provides waste and recycling bags as well as period poverty items.
They will be at Newcastle Emlyn Cawdor Hall on the first Wednesday of every month between 10am and 2pm.
Councillor Carys Jones, Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for rural affairs, community cohesion, and planning policy, said: "Newcastle Emlyn is seeing real transformation thanks to the Ten Towns Programme and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
"From supporting local events to restoring historic buildings, these investments are helping the town thrive.
"I’m especially excited to see how the new amphitheatre will bring energy, visitors, and fresh cultural experiences to the town."
