Bouygues UK, lead contractor for Llanelli’s Canolfan Pentre Awel, has delivered more than £35 million in social value through its employment, education, supply chain, and community engagement.
During nearly two years on site, the Canolfan Pentre Awel team has overdelivered on its social value targets during the build, including providing more than 400 extra weeks of work for trainees and new entrants into the industry.
Bouygues partnered with the local supply chain to create 76 new entrant jobs and provide 62 apprenticeship opportunities in mechanical, electrical and plumbing roles.
Through collaboration with Whitehead Building Services, 10 mechanical and plumbing apprentices also joined the Cyfle Shared Apprenticeship Scheme.
In partnership with recruitment specialist Acorn by Synergie, an on-site employment hub was established, helping match candidates with career opportunities.
The hub facilitated 15 sessions, resulting in 36 people securing employment – 32 at Canolfan Pentre Awel and four at other sites run by supply chain partners across Carmarthenshire.
‘Lasting social value’
Bouygues also engaged with local schools and colleges. Led by the project’s social value advisor, Nina Williams, the team delivered more than 100 hours of educational activities, and directly engaged with more than 2,000 primary and secondary school students.
Commenting on the project’s social value strategy, Williams said: “Canolfan Pentre Awel has been a shining example of how construction projects can create lasting social value for the communities they are working within.
“From supporting local businesses to fostering educational opportunities and providing career pathways, this development has positively transformed lives and, we hope, strengthened the local community.”
The Canolfan Pentre Awel development will be a medical research and business hub, as well as providing community healthcare and leisure facilities.
It is part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and is the largest regeneration scheme in south-west Wales.
Project manager Peter Sharpe said: “Working on Canolfan Pentre Awel has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the tangible difference we’ve made – whether it’s helping people secure jobs, inspiring students through education initiatives, or engaging with the community – has been truly humbling.
“This project isn’t just about construction, it’s about building brighter futures for the people of Carmarthenshire and we’re thrilled to have played a small part in achieving that.”
