Grade II-listed, 1852-6, James Buckley
Industrial activity at the Buckley’s Brewery site can be traced back to the early eighteenth century, and a brewery is known to have existed in the north of Llanelli since at least 1760, but the most significant period of activity was in the nineteenth century, when the business was taken over and expanded by James Buckley, the local parish priest. In the reverend’s hands, brewing methods were modernised and a more suitable, industrial brewery was constructed, which would stake a claim to being the first in the world to produce canned beer, and remain in operation for more than one hundred years. The brewery closed in 1997 following Buckley’s integration into Brains of Cardiff, and, though a planning application for conversion to residential apartments was approved in 2014, nothing has happened since, and the building remains vacant and derelict, despite new development in its immediate vicinity. Cadw describes the maltings as ‘an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large-scale floor maltings with barley kiln, retaining its original structure substantially intact, and with good original industrial character’, and its position beside the River Lliedi makes it an attractive development opportunity, but time is running out for this significant building to be saved.
Christopher Costelloe, The Victorian Society Director, said: “It’s disappointing to see these listed buildings shut up and ignored whilst new commercial and residential developments have been erected all around. A sensitive restoration scheme would make these former maltings a highly desirable asset to Llanelli, and we hope their inclusion in this year’s Top 10 list highlights this to the current owners and action is taken without delay.”
Status Update / March 2026
In 2018, planning permission was granted by the local authority for the restoration and redevelopment of the maltings for residential use. Working closely with local housing and regeneration teams, the developer was able to secure an initial £600,000 in funding from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing and Vibrant and Viable Places grants, which enabled remedial works on the main buildings to begin. The remainder of the scheme was financed privately, supported by newbuild development on the site.