Church Opens Bowling Alley

Towy Community Church announces plans for ambitious new sports centre.

26 February 2010

A Carmarthen church could become the first in the UK to open and run a ten pin bowling alley bringing much needed jobs and a new leisure attraction to the town. Towy Community Church is planning the venture at the former St Ivel cheese packing plant in Johnstown in partnership with current owners Carmarthenshire County Council who have offered to lease them the 2.7 acre site.

Known as Xcel bowl, the 12 lane arena will create up to 20 jobs and profits will be used to fund various community projects on site including a food bank and furniture recycling for people suffering hardship, a free debt counseling service and a 50 seat café. There are also plans for a conference centre to seat 500 and performing arts activities for teenagers. Grant funding has been applied for to help finance the new complex.

Speaking about the Xcel project, Towy Community Church senior leader Mark Bennett says “ we are delighted that Carmarthenshire County Council are willing  to partner us in this initiative to serve the people of Carmarthen to a standard of excellence and provide top quality resources and facilities for the wider region.”

The people of Johnstown will be consulted about the plans and members of the public will have an opportunity to complete surveys giving their thoughts on the project. More details can be found at www.towychurch.co.uk where visitors to the site can take part in an on-line survey, express their views and read the latest Blog on the plans.

 Gethin Russell-Jones 07985 145726