Demolition work on the disused Dairy Crest creamery in the centre of Whitland gets underway next month opening up major opportunities for the redevelopment and regeneration of this important site.
The news has been welcomed by the Welsh Development Agency and Carmarthenshire County Council who have worked closely with Dairy Crest on proposals for future re-use of the 7.5 hectare (19 acre) site.
The demolition will include the removal of more than 1,000 tonnes of stainless steel, together with residual milk processing equipment.
Some production equipment has already been removed from the site, but the major four-month demolition programme is scheduled to begin on September 1.
Demolition contractors Moody and Acorn Metals have been commissioned to undertake the plant removal works.
A Dairy Crest spokesman said both companies had considerable experience of this type of work and would do their utmost to minimise any inconvenience to residents.
Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, said: "The start of this demolition programme is a significant step in the transformation of the Dairy Crest site.
"There are exciting proposals for the future which will bring positive impacts to the area, but none of that can take place without this work."
WDA executive director Mike King, said the removal of the plant, which dominates the town, would have an immediate beneficial impact on the environment.
"The demolition will also act as a catalyst for regeneration and open up a range of new opportunities for Whitland and the surrounding area," he said.
"It is an extremely prominent site and the aim is to ensure its sustainable redevelopment will improve the quality of life for local people as well as bring in economic benefits."
A draft masterplan was drawn up last year which envisages an exciting mix of uses including new housing, attractive landscaped areas, additional business and retail space, new car parking facilities and a variety of recreational and community uses.
The plan was drawn up by URS following an enquiry by design day when the ideas and views of local people and interested parties were taken into account.
The consultancy team was led by URS who were commissioned by the WDA, Dairy Crest and Carmarthenshire County Council.
Dave Gilbert, director of regeneration at Carmarthenshire County Council said: "Since this site closed it has been an opportunity that has been lying dormant.
"We are very excited that this first stage of demolition now means we can make the most of this site and help put Whitland on the map for developers and make it a better place to live and work."