Urban Foundry and County Council support sustainable and creative regeneration of King Street

CARMARTHEN’S zero-waste shop, Blue Marble Refill, has gone from strength to strength after relocating to a larger, more central premises at 45 King Street. The move, made possible through an initiative supported by Carmarthenshire County Council and Urban Foundry, has breathed new life into a property that had stood empty for 18 months.

The relocation has enabled Blue Marble Refill to expand its reach, welcoming more customers and advancing its mission to promote sustainable living. The shop offers a wide range of refillable products—from food and household items to personal care essentials—and encourages customers to bring their own containers, helping reduce plastic waste and lower their environmental impact.

Owner Harriet Baggley said her goal goes beyond selling products. “I want to inspire people to change their habits and think more consciously about the planet,” she said.

Shared space fosters creativity

The new premises has also become home to Criwdem Celf CIC, a not-for-profit arts organisation founded by Harriet in collaboration with local artists Joanna Bond and Kelly-Marie Howlett. The space is now a vibrant hub where sustainability and creativity meet.

Criwdem Celf provides a platform for local artists to exhibit work, host community events, and run creative workshops. Recent highlights include the international touring exhibition Faces of Rebellion, celebrating climate activists, as well as regular family sessions, weekly artist socials, and support for local projects such as the Club Compostio initiative.

One artist taking part in the weekly socials said: “As someone who finds it difficult to stay motivated working alone, the social evenings have been incredibly valuable. It’s a supportive space that has encouraged me to keep creating and given me a sense of belonging.”

Criwdem Celf has already secured grant funding from the Town Council to host future creative events.

A landlord with vision
Harriet also praised local landlord Arwel Sharp, of Sharp Plumbing and Heating Ltd, for his backing.

“It’s been a pleasure seeing the revived bustle it has brought to King Street,” said Arwel. “As a proud Carmarthen man, this project has not only helped fill an empty space but created lasting friendships and working relationships.”

Urban Foundry’s role

Key to the success of the move was the involvement of Urban Foundry, specialists in pop-up regeneration schemes. The organisation worked closely with Harriet and the Council to identify the right premises and facilitate the transition.

Harriet said: “Carmarthenshire County Council and Urban Foundry have unlocked a new level of growth for my microbusiness. We’ve just signed a five-year lease following a successful pop-up period, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Tara Tarapetian, Director of Urban Foundry, added: “It’s been a joy supporting Harriet. Her values align perfectly with ours, and it’s exciting to see how projects like this can revitalise town centres while promoting sustainable choices.”

Urban Foundry is working across Ammanford, Carmarthen, and Llanelli to bring empty town centre spaces back into use, drawing on previous success in Swansea, Bridgend, and Caerphilly.

Council support for local regeneration

Cllr Hazel Evans, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “The transformation of 45 King Street is a prime example of the regeneration we’re championing. It supports not just our economy, but also creativity, sustainability, and community wellbeing. Projects like these are central to our long-term strategy for revitalising town centres across Carmarthenshire.”