Historic Laugharne abattoir could be given new lease of life as café

Richard Youle, local democracy reporter

A sprawling listed building in Laugharne which used to have an abattoir at the back could be getting a new lease of life.

Globe House was at various times a hotel, military billet, horse and coach station, butcher’s shop, auction room, video hire outlet, bank and residential property.

It was empty for more than decade before it was bought in April last year, according to a heritage impact statement on behalf of its owner, who wants to create a cafe-bar and office and retail space there.

The grade two-listed building, on the corner of Duncan Street and Market Street, lies within the Laugharne Conservation Area and is said to date from the 18th Century.

The heritage statement said the barn was still fitted out as an abattoir and that the former Gleeds butchers’ shop was untouched since its last occupation in the late 1980s.

“To many, Globe House is recalled as part of the vibrant retail corner of Laugharne, several residents recall the Gleeds, the newsagents that operated next door, the Midland Bank, a video hire outlet – all since closed,” it said.

“The proposed use of the Globe, with retail/office space, an open courtyard served by a café-bar and other small retail outlets, with aspirations of a bakery and butchers’ shop, will again fill this corner of Laugharne to the benefit of the community.”

There are no plans to alter the building’s exterior, apart from building a new cellar and storage area at the rear. Repairs have been carried out to the roof but the damp interior needs work.

Carmarthenshire Council officers are assessing the planning application, while applicant Stephen Kirkwood has also applied for listed building consent.

Globe House is not the only listed building in Laugharne up for renewal. There are also plans to restore Island House, Wogan Street, and convert it into a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant.

Nikki Lewis, the owner of Arthur’s restaurant and cafe, Laugharne, said of the Globe House proposal: “I think it’s a really good idea. If it’s been empty for so long, it would be good to see it back again. It’ll bring more people to the area.”

Max Howells, the owner of The Portreeves restaurant and bar, Market Lane, said he remembered the old butchers’ shop at Globe House and welcomed the proposals to give the building a fresh start.

“It’s great for the community – I’m 100% behind it,” he said.