Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

Marine renewable opportunities set to surge

Published

on

marinePEMBROKESHIRE businesses are set to benefit from imminent developments in the renewable energy industry following two key announcements made by Marine Energy Pembrokeshire last week. The Crown Estate’s selection of Wave Hub – the organisation behind the world’s most advanced site for the testing and development of renewable energy – as the organisation to manage Pembrokeshire’s designated Demonstration Zone, and the signing of a collaboration agreement between Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and South West Marine Energy Park, is welcome news for local businesses and the area as a whole. The Port of Milford Haven’s strategy, supported by their significant investment, has positioned and equipped Pembroke Port to become a key delivery centre for this growing industry. Pembrokeshire’s powerful natural resource for wave and tide, existing grid connectivity and recently improved road links coupled with the Port’s deep water quay, industrial sheds and extensive lay-down space are already beginning to attract considerable interest. Local businesses that employ highly skilled engineering personnel who are accustomed to servicing the cluster of energy facilities on the Haven will play a critical role as delivery partners. Based on a recent study by Regeneris Consulting and the Welsh Economy Research Unit at Cardiff Business School, the development of marine energy in Wales has the potential, in the next 3-4 years, to support £72m of Gross Value Added (GVA) and create over 2,000 personyears of employment during the development and installation phase, and £2m GVA with 50 FTE jobs per annum during the operational and maintenance phase. Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea Director for the Port of Milford Haven with responsibility for Pembroke Port, commented: “We are committed to developing Pembroke Port into a centre of excellence for marine renewables and engineering. Existing infrastructure and on-site specialist supply chain companies experienced in engineering and fabrication and operation of work-boats and barges are combining to create an exciting opportunity for businesses in and around the Port. “Our commitment to the industry is already being realised by Tidal Energy Limited, the company behind the Delta Stream concept which aims to harness the power of tidal flow to generate power. They chose Pembroke Port as their operational base early in 2013 and are currently preparing their device for deployment in Ramsey Sound later this summer.” Managing Director for Tidal Energy Ltd, Martin Murphy, said: “We are pleased with how our project has progressed. Pembroke Port’s flexible approach and the excellent facilities there, as a base from which to store and assemble components, deploy, monitor and maintain wave and tidal energy projects such as ours, has made a significant difference to us in advancing this innovative project.” Kevin Hobbs added: “The Pembrokeshire economy has benefited from the busy oil and gas port at Milford Haven for decades, but in recent years shipping has declined and the Port is looking to diversify in order to continue to support the level of employment the area has become accustomed to. A master-planning process for Pembroke Port is under way that is looking at areas within the site that could be adapted for use as a potential manufacturing base for wave and tidal devices. “The major announcements by Marine Energy Pembrokeshire this week are exciting news and highlight what can be achieved through collaboration between business, communities, and local and national government. At Pembroke Port we look forward to continuing to collaborate and work in partnership with all agencies so that, together, we can maximise the long term economic benefits from Pembrokeshire’s existing natural resource and skilled personnel.”

 

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

New facilities at Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club agreed

Published

on

A CALL by a Pembrokeshire shooting club for more disability-friendly facilities has been given the go-ahead by county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest Target Shooting Club, through agent Andrew Sutton Architecture, sought permission for an extension to existing target shooting club building at The Firing Range, Withybush Road, Haverfordwest to improve accessibility and internal facilities, together with associated landscaping works.

A supporting statement said: “The club’s own published history states it was founded in 1968, moved from the Drill Hall to the old wartime airfield butts at Withybush by the early 1970s, and had developed facilities over time, including the clubhouse by 1999. The established leisure/community use has existed on the site for a number of years and the proposal does not seek to intensify the core activity beyond that already authorised/established.”

It added: “The primary objective of the scheme is to improve inclusive access to the club’s facilities for disabled users and those with reduced mobility. The internal arrangement will provide adequate entrance and lobby space, clear accessible routes and appropriately designed sanitary accommodation, including an accessible wetroom/shower and separate WC.”

It also said accessible parking and surfacing designed to provide a firm, even, slip-resistant route from parking to the principal entrance.

It added: “The Equality Act 2010 places duties on service providers to make reasonable adjustments so that people with additional access needs are not placed at a substantial disadvantage.

“The proposal is therefore a positive enhancement to a community/leisure facility and supports wider policy objectives for inclusive environments.”

It went on to say: “The club operates within a highly controlled environment, and the proposed works will maintain and enhance safety and security measures.”

The application was conditionally approved by planners.

 

Continue Reading

Business

St Davids GP surgery plans lodged with national park

Published

on

PLANS to convert a former GP surgery in Pembrokeshire’s only city to a home and holiday let have been lodged with the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Alice and Danjal Joensen, through agent Oochitecture, seek permission for a change of use of the ground floor of the former GP surgery, Eryl Mor, 36, New Street, St Davids, merging with the existing first-floor apartment to create a larger single dwelling house, along with the creation of an attached short-term holiday let.

The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured.

A supporting statement says, prior to being a GP surgery, the two storey element was a single dwelling house.

It adds: “The house would consist of an open plan kitchen-living space to the ground floor, along with a study, lounge and utility room. The first floor includes four double bedrooms with ensuite and main bathroom.

“The new unit of accommodation would form a holiday-let with two double bedrooms, shower room, and an open plan kitchen-living space.

“The GP surgery is currently vacant, following its closure in October 2024 after new partners could not be secured, therefore the proposed change of use will provide a viable long-term future use for the property.”

It says minimal external alterations are proposed to the property with existing entrances utilised for both the main house and holiday-let, adding: “The existing concrete ramp to the front elevation will be retained with proposed works including extending the upper level and steps to provide a connection to the front door, allowing for accessible entrance to the property.

“There will be no changes to vehicular or pedestrian access, with the site continuing to be accessed via the existing entrance from New Street. Parking will be provided for the main house and holiday-let on the existing tarmac driveway off New Street.”

The application will be considered by Park planners at a later date.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Cardigan bakery named among best in UK

Published

on

A CARDIGAN bakehouse has been named among the best bakeries in the UK as interest in “bakery tourism” continues to rise.

Bara Menyn, a small family-run bakehouse tucked away in a side street in Cardigan, has been highlighted by travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk as one of the bakeries worth making a trip for.

The name Bara Menyn means “bread and butter” in Welsh, and the bakery has built a reputation for imaginative bakes, pizzas and seasonal produce.

Laura Kerslake, regional expert for Wales, said: “Bara Menyn is how you say ‘bread and butter’ in Welsh and the name of the small family bakehouse that is hidden down a side street in Cardigan, West Wales.

“It’s open three days a week so that the owners can fit the bakehouse around family life and their careers as artists.

“The family’s artistic flair can be seen in all the imaginative fillings and toppings on the bakes and pizzas served, which are also made using local, seasonal produce.”

The listing comes as the UK sees growing interest in independent bakeries, with spending on bakery goods reported to have risen by six per cent from 2025 to 2026.

Research also suggests that many people are now willing to travel for regional food experiences, from traditional cakes to artisan bread and pastries.

Two other Welsh bakeries were also highlighted: Little Valley Bakery, which has sites in Mumbles and Brynmill, and was recently named in the Good Food Guide’s 50 Best Bakeries 2026; and another Welsh entry included in the travel company’s wider list.

For Cardigan, the recognition adds to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for independent food, drink and creative businesses.

 

Continue Reading

Local Government2 days ago

Youngest mayor in century takes office in Haverfordwest

Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner makes history as town’s first millennial mayor and first from a diverse background HAVERFORDWEST has welcomed a...

Community2 days ago

Pembroke Fair set to return after last year’s success

STALL HOLDERS INVITED AS HORSE DRIVE PLANNED PEMBROKE Fair is set to return this weekend following the success of last...

Crime2 days ago

Neyland man accused of running over traffic worker’s foot

Jury hears conflicting accounts over roadworks incident in Milford Haven A NEYLAND man has appeared before Swansea Crown Court accused...

Community2 days ago

New pilot boat Llanion dedicated at emotional Milford Haven ceremony

Vessel dedicated at Mackerel Quay as Port marks major investment in safety and resilience MILFORD HAVEN’S new state-of-the-art pilot vessel...

Local Government3 days ago

Police and GoSafe to target speeding in Newport and Dinas

RESIDENTS’ concerns over speeding and anti-social driving have prompted planned enforcement action in the Newport and Dinas areas. Dyfed-Powys Police...

Community3 days ago

Safety first as Milford Haven’s new pilot boat marks end of troubled chapter

Gary Solomon, who was aboard St Davids during the 2016 collision, helped shape new self-righting vessel Llanion from conception to...

Crime4 days ago

Cocaine courier caught with £15,000 haul in Pembroke Dock

Defendant transported high-purity drugs from Cardiff to Pembrokeshire for £210 A PEMBROKESHIRE man caught transporting more than £15,000 of high-purity...

News4 days ago

Car bursts into flames near Redberth Croft as road closed after incident

Nobody injured after vehicle fire near A477 prompts emergency response A CAR was destroyed by fire near the entrance to...

News4 days ago

Welsh Labour unveils new Senedd spokesperson team

Ken Skates says Labour group will hold Plaid Cymru government to account WELSH Labour’s interim leader Ken Skates MS has...

Cymraeg5 days ago

Two new Milford Haven schools could be built and open by 2032

NEW SCHOOLS in Milford Haven won’t be built before 2030 at the earliest, and 2032 for a planned Welsh Medium...

Popular This Week