Blue Marble Refill, Carmarthen’s zero-waste shop, has found a new home thanks to an initiative with Carmarthenshire County Council. In February 2025, the business moved to a larger and more central space at 45 King Street, Carmarthen, which had been empty for 18 months.
The move has given Blue Marble Refill the chance to grow, reach more customers, and build on its mission of encouraging people to reduce waste and live more sustainably.
The shop stocks a wide range of zero-waste products, from food and household essentials to personal care items. Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers and refill them, helping to cut down on plastic waste and reduce their environmental footprint.
Owner Harriet Baggley’s goal is not just to sell products but to inspire people to rethink their habits and make more conscious choices about the planet.
A creative partnership with Criwdem Celf CIC
The new space has not only benefited Blue Marble Refill – it’s also given a home to Criwdem Celf CIC, a new art organisation that Harriet has helped to set up with two local artists, Joanna Bond and Kelly-Marie Howlett. The shared premises have created a collaborative environment where sustainability and creativity come together. It has allowed both Blue Marble Refill and Criwdem Celf to grow side by side, supporting each other and bringing new energy to the space.
Criwdem Celf CIC offers a platform for local artists to showcase their work and connect with the community. They recently hosted ‘Faces of Rebellion’ – a touring, international exhibition celebrating climate activists.
On top of that, they have launched a weekly artist social, creative family workshops, and community sessions. They have also secured grant funding from the town council for an upcoming creative event. Criwdem Celf supports other local organisations too, stocking produce from new businesses and becoming the very first business to support a new local composting system, Club Compostio. And there is so much more to come.
One recent participant in the weekly artist socials said:
“As someone who finds it difficult to stay motivated when working alone at home, the artist social evening has been incredibly valuable. The opportunity to create in a shared, supportive environment has had a positive impact on my motivation. Engaging with a community of artists in a welcoming space has encouraged me to continue making art and has provided a real sense of belonging. I believe this initiative plays a vital role in supporting local creatives and I really hope it can continue with the funding it needs.”
Harriet has also commented on the positivity and support from the landlord, Arwel Sharp (who also runs Carmarthen-based Sharp Plumbing and Heating Limited). Arwel said:
“As a proud Carmarthen man, being invited and able to take part in this pop-up project was a great opportunity. It has been a true pleasure seeing the revived bustle it has brought to King Street. As the cherry on top, we have also been blessed in making new friends, and a long term working relationship with ‘Blue Marble Refill’ & ‘Criwdem Celf CIC’. Best wishes and thanks to all involved.”
Urban Foundry’s role in making it happen
Carmarthenshire County Council worked very closely with Urban Foundry who are leading experts in pop-up spaces. Harriet credits them both with helping her business grow, saying:
“Carmarthenshire County Council and Urban Foundry have helped me unlock a new level of business growth for my micro business in Carmarthen. This space is the perfect match, and I’m already seeing the benefits to both my business and the local community. We have just negotiated a five-year lease (with a short extension on our pop-up licence to give us time to fine-tune the new lease). I am overjoyed!”
Tara Tarapetian, Director of Urban Foundry, said:
“It’s been a delight to help Harriet. Her business is so aligned with Urban Foundry’s values, and it’s having such an impact not just on her business but on Carmarthen too. We’re all trying to make more sustainable and thoughtful shopping choices – this makes it more accessible. People can see it. People want to get involved and make easy, ethical choices.”
Urban Foundry aims to breathe new life into town centres in Ammanford, Carmarthen, and Llanelli by filling empty spaces with local businesses and creative projects. The project supports businesses in finding the right premises and provides ongoing guidance to help them grow and contribute to the local economy. It has already had great success in Swansea, Bridgend, and Caerphilly.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented:
“The revitalisation of 45 King Street exemplifies the kind of meaningful regeneration we are striving to achieve across our town centres. Through a collaborative approach with Urban Foundry and the commitment of passionate local entrepreneurs, this previously vacant space has been transformed into a vibrant hub of sustainability and creativity. The success of Blue Marble Refill and Criwdem Celf CIC not only supports our local economy, but also fosters community cohesion and environmental responsibility. It demonstrates the tangible benefits of our wider regeneration strategy — breathing new life into our high streets while empowering local enterprise and cultural engagement”.
Visit Blue Marble Refill and Criwdem Celf CIC
Blue Marble Refill and Criwdem Celf CIC are open six days a week at 45 King Street, Carmarthen.
Follow on Instagram @criwdem_celf and @bluemarblerefill
This project is delivered in partnership with Carmarthenshire County Council and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Photo credit: Dai Eastwood.
