Ammanford witnessed the launch of a new-look and newly-rechristened Amman Civic Hall today (Friday) with a promise that the venue would play a central role in the town’s cultural life.

The Hall, in Margaret Street, has been refurbished throughout to provide a slick, modern venue for all occasions.

The venue, formerly the Amman Centre, boasts a main hall comfortably seating 120, a conference room and a lounge, with catering provided by iSmooth Catering Services – partners in the newly-created social enterprise managing the Hall.

The Hall is available for weddings, birthday parties, events and conferences as well as hosting its own live entertainment evenings, Sunday and Christmas lunches, and with a long list of other events already in the pipeline.

“We want this to become the function centre for Ammanford and the surrounding area,” said business manager Nicola Morris.

“We are able to cater to the needs of a full range of users, from children’s parties, christenings, weddings and events to business conferences.

“We have three different rooms, the main hall, the conference room and the lounge, meaning we are able to provide facilities for groups of all sizes, no matter how large or small.”

Entertainments manager Jozann Morgan added: “We want to make the Civic Hall the most desirable venue in the area.

“This venue has a long history as the cultural and entertainment hotspot in Ammanford – it was previously the hub of community life - and we intend to ensure it retains that status.

“This is a venue for the whole community to use and for people of all ages.

“We want to make sure the Civic Hall is the first thought on everyone’s mind when they need a venue.”

Social enterprise director Nicola Mattocks said: “This has always been the centre of Ammanford for entertainment and events and that is not going to change.

“One of the great things about this refurbishment is that the work has all been carried out by local companies.

“That gives an indication of the importance of the Hall to the community.

“We want to bring this venue back to being the centre of Ammanford’s cultural life.”

In addition to this morning’s launch, the Hall is open to the public this evening from 5pm until 8pm.

The Hall will be open for carvery lunches from Sunday between noon and 2pm. Call 01269 598705 to book.