SHOPS in Builth Wells have said it is very much “business as usual”, despite the shutdown of the town centre.
“Please don't stay away from Builth Wells” is the message from local businesses this month, with Broad Street and High Street shut off to traffic in the midst of a massive programme of resurfacing works being carried out by the Welsh Government to fix the road network through the town.
This second phase of works on the A470 and A483 trunk roads involves essential resurfacing and improvement works, which started in November 2025 and is due to be completed in early March 2026.
The work is necessary to address areas of deterioration and failure, providing a smoother, safer running surface for road users, as well as making improvements to drainage and pedestrian infrastructure, says the Welsh Government.
During this challenging period, Builth Wells Town Council and multiple businesses in the town centre are encouraging shoppers to not be put off by the disruption.
“Builth Wells has a wonderful selection of unique shops, great cafes and welcoming pubs, as well as well as other fantastic businesses offering a host of other services,” said the town council in a Facebook post on Friday, January 16.
“The current road works obviously make trading a challenge, but all our High Street premises remain determined to give great value and service to all customers, local or from afar.
“With free one-hour car parking in the county council car parks in Builth, it’s a good time to support our economy as well as discovering what Builth has to offer.”
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“Please don't stay away from Builth Wells,” is the message from Jill Daniel, the owner of long-established hair salon, Headcases.
“You can easily access the shops,” said Jill, in a post on the salon’s Facebook page.
“Pavement is clear and two ramps have been fitted, mobility scooters, wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs have easy access.
“There is one hour free parking available at the Groe or market car parks. The buses are running as normal, and the traffic lights are controlling traffic effectively.”
“So, the high street is now closed, (but) it is business as usual though,” said St Mary’s Builth Wells, the town’s popular bakery, managed by Sharon Hopkins.
“We know it will present challenges for travelling but Powys are offering one-hour free parking on the Groe.”
The Corner Collective, a shop offering a collection of beautifully crafted, locally sourced, and handmade treasures, added: “It may not look like it... But we ARE open.
“It's a tight squeeze, but we promise it's worth it.”
Gift shop Penelope Primrose said: “We will be open during the roadworks but I have a feeling it will feel like a very long six weeks.
“We hope to see lots of our lovely customers but if it’s very quiet we will be reducing working hours to keep our costs down.”
During the current Phase 2B of the scheme, a contra-flow arrangement is in place on The Strand, redirecting traffic along Strand Street back onto the A483 westbound.
The work at the bottom end of the town centre is due to finish on January 30, after which work begins on the upper end of the street.
Between January 30 and February 2 and from February 7-10, there will be a full closure up to Market Street between the hours of 7pm-7am.
Between February 9-13 there will be a closure of West Street, which will be under two-way signal control between 8am and 6pm.
After this there will be a full closure of West Street from February 13-16. The work moves on to Garth Road from February 20-23 and again from February 28 to March 2.
For more details and information about diversions, visit the Traffic Wales website.
