Following a commission by Carmarthenshire County Council to study the feasibility of a new-build theatre for Carmarthenshire, ACT worked on the Design Study that took the project through to the design threshold of RIBA stage C and a successful first round application to the Big Lottery.

ACT subsequently worked alongside Lawray and Mott MacDonald on a further development of this project to RIBA stage D following the shortlisting of the scheme under the "Living Landmarks" programme.

Funding has now been secured from the EU's European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government, Carmarthenshire Council and other partners and work is set to start before the end of the year on a cultural centre for the region.

The Works will occupy a site near a new cinema and retail development planned for the eastern gateway to the town. The new 504-seat adaptable theatre will be sited alongside a Grade II listed Zion Baptist Chapel & Zion Baptist School which will be renovated as part of the project. The theatre can be used either as a flat floor venue or, with the lowering of the stage elevator and extension of a retractable seating unit, become a conventional theatre space.  The Works will provide a venue for: Drama, Musical Theatre, Opera, Concerts, Dance, Cabaret, Public Meetings and Social Functions.

Client: Carmarthenshire County Council
Architects: Lawray